The Alabama Crimson Tide’s hopes for a College Football Playoff berth likely came to a disastrous halt Saturday after a nightmare 24-3 defeat to Oklahoma.
The loss not only pushed Alabama out of playoff contention but also marked a historic low point for the program under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer.
The Tide’s third loss of the season – its first three-loss campaign since 2010 – has left fans frustrated to say the least.
To avoid their first single-digit win season since Nick Saban’s inaugural year in 2007, Alabama must defeat Auburn in the Iron Bowl this coming Saturday.
But let’s be honest, Alabama can beat Auburn by 60 points this weekend, and it still won’t ease the frustration in Tuscaloosa.
Kalen DeBoer has been a phenomenal football coach at each and every stop he’s been at. However, he’s quickly found out that Alabama is a whole different animal, especially when you’re trying to fill Nick Saban’s shoes.
Speaking of which, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has stated that Alabama fans should be begging for Saban to return to the Tide and save them from the nightmare they currently find themselves in.
“Alabama fans everywhere, they should be begging Nick Saban to quit College GameDay – because he’s doing a great job,” Smith said.
“Convince him, beg him to quit the damn show and go back to Alabama right now and save this program from an abyss.”
Smith didn’t mince words while criticizing DeBoer, highlighting last Saturday’s performance as one of Alabama’s worst in decades.
“Roll Tide my behind. I mean, this is bad. Roll Tide? You ain’t gonna hear me say that again,” Smith stated. “I’m ashamed of what we’ve seen. Roll over, Tide.”
Smith criticized the program’s entire culture and trajectory under DeBoer, claiming the lackluster and undisciplined showings would never happen under Saban.
Fellow ESPN’er Paul Finebaum echoed Smith’s sentiments.
“They were unprepared, and it’s inexcusable to lay an egg like that,” Finebaum said. “I’ve covered Alabama football for more than 40 years, and I can’t remember in a critical game … They just completely no-showed.”
DeBoer’s first season in Tuscaloosa has been a roller coaster.
He earned praise after a key victory against Georgia, only to see his stock plummet with a shocking loss to Vanderbilt.
The Tide appeared to be recovering before the debacle against Oklahoma, which is why the blowout loss was extra-shocking.
Needless to say, the Tide better beat Auburn on Saturday. If not, DeBoer may not survive the season.
What are your thoughts on the unacceptable season in Tuscaloosa?
Who do you blame most? … Are we sure DeBoer is truly the right man to lead the program going forward?
While there’s a .00001% chance of it actually happening, do you agree with Smith that Alabama should be begging Saban to return???
