After a surprising and deflating loss, Alabama Football would commonly be said to be seeking a rebound. Unfortunately, the word rebound does not fit the current Alabama Crimson Tide situation. What Alabama needs instead is a turnaround.
Since thrashing LSU last November, the Crimson Tide's record is 2-3. Making the five game run worse is one of the wins was over the Mercer Bears.
Writing for Bama Hammer, Josh Yourish used the words "on the brink" to describe Alabama's Playoff chances. Josh is too kind. The Alabama football team cannot afford any added distractions. Playoff contention should be ignored until in the Tide's next five games, Alabama goes at least 3-2. And for true contention, 4-1 is needed.
Until then, a 'one game at a time' mindset must lead to winning the games the Tide should win: ULM, Wisconsin, and Vanderbilt. A fourth win would be huge because it would mean beating a ranked team on the road. The ranked team options should be Georgia and Missouri.
'Gloom and Doom' is widespread among Alabama football fans. It is difficult not to join in. Some Alabama fans have given up on Kalen DeBoer. Some blame players as much as the coaching staff. A better approach is patience. One game does not make a season, no matter how much it indicates serious deficiencies.
There are rumors that based on a certain number of losses in a season, DeBoer's contract can be terminated, with a significantly decreased buyout. What is more likely is that no matter the final 2025 record, DeBoer will return for a make or break third season. It is also possible that the Alabama Crimson Tide, even against stiffer competition, has played its worst game of the season. If that proves true, the question that remains is how much this team can improve. No one has the answer and a Saturday night win over ULM will provide little insight.
Worse Alabama Football Situations
The Alabama Football program has been in a worse situation before. The 1984, 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006 seasons ended with the program in worse shape than it is today.
As multiple observers have suggested, maybe Kalen DeBoer was (is) not the right fit for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Maybe there was not and never could have a been a 'right fit' to follow Nick Saban.