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What I am looking for from the Crimson Tide in Week 1

By Greg Bosworth

Mar 6, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack gives directions during practice of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team Wednesday.
Mar 6, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack gives directions during practice of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team Wednesday. / Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK
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After what has been a whirlwind of an offseason, Week 1 is finally upon us and this is what I am looking for from the Tide this week against Western Kentucky. We know this is a warm-up game and we won't learn much about this team, as I am sure the game plan will be pretty vanilla for Alabama.

I expect to see flashes of a very explosive offense that has been missing for portions of the last two seasons. I am looking for the running game to be dynamic and for the offensive line to dominate the line of scrimmage in ways that we didn't see much last year, even in Week 1.

Jalen Milroe emerged as the guy and leader of the offense through the 2023 season, and I am looking for him to take that next step. This includes a great improvement in his midrange passing game, being quicker with his decision making, and not forcing things that aren't there. Getting a great offensive minded staff in Coach DeBoer, Nick Sheridan, ad JaMarcus Shephard will allow Jalen to max out his potential, and it will be fun seeing glimpses of this new explosive offense Saturday night.

I am very interested to see how this new-look defense will operate on Saturday under new coordinator Kane Wommack. I am looking for the defense to play fast, force some turnovers, and have plenty of playing time for the freshman in the secondary.

It has been a while since an Alabama defense has forced a shutout, and though unlikely I would like to see this unit go deep into the game without giving up a touchdown. I want to see the defense flying around, getting off the field on third down consistently, and eliminating the mental errors of the last few seasons.

There have been quite a few changes since January for this Alabama program from staff to atmosphere, but the expectations remain the same. Saturday night can't get here soon enough as there is a lot of anticipation amongst Alabama fans to see how this new look Tide team will look in Week 1 in which should be another very successful season for the Crimson Tide.

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