The 2024 season marks a pivotal moment for the Alabama Crimson Tide, as the program transitions from the legendary Nick Saban era to the fresh leadership of Kalen DeBoer. This shift has brought with it a mix of exhilarating victories and disappointing defeats, but one thing is clear: the team is now more focused than ever.
Changing the Culture in Tuscaloosa
Coming off a 9-4 season, which concluded with a frustrating loss in the ReliaQuest Bowl, the Crimson Tide recognizes that they fell short of their own high standards. The players are aware that to reclaim their status as a powerhouse in college football, significant cultural changes are necessary. Alabama offensive lineman Roq Montgomery recently discussed this on The Bama Standard Podcast, emphasizing a new mindset within the team.
“The message right now from me and my teammates, just our entire staff, is we got a different outlook on everything,” Montgomery explained. “It’s like more dialed in, more serious. It’s not like we ain’t never been serious about anything, because there’s things that we do, but we just got to get back to the old days — to when Bama does nothing but win, and win championships. That’s the main focus right now.”
A New Approach to Workouts
The shift in attitude is palpable, and Montgomery attributes much of this change to the influence of Dave Ballou, the Director of Sports Performance at Alabama. Under Ballou’s guidance, the team has adopted a no-nonsense approach to workouts.
“This is our second week of workouts. We started as a team last week. You can’t be late to workouts no more. No more jewelry. No more necklaces. None of that. It’s not a fashion show. It’s football,” Montgomery stated. “Shoutout to Coach Ballou, our head strength coach. He’s not playing that. If somebody is late — like we had a few people late, I’m not gonna throw nobody under the bus — if somebody is late to workouts, everybody has to do 15 up-downs on Ballou’s whistle. And then whoever is late has to push a plate and do their workout, plus 15 up-downs. Like, no jewelry, no nothing. Any team that has won before us, nobody was doing none of that.”
Reclaiming the Championship Mindset
Alabama has a storied history, boasting 18 national championships, including six under Saban. However, as Montgomery pointed out, it has been since the 2020 season that the Crimson Tide last hoisted the championship trophy. The players are determined to change that narrative and are committed to returning to their winning ways.
“So why start doing it now? It’s a lot of stuff that happened last year, but we ain’t won a championship since 2020, so it’s like what the hell we doing? That’s not ‘Bama football,” Montgomery remarked.
The team is embracing a more disciplined approach, emphasizing the importance of doing the little things right. Montgomery stressed, “We ain’t playing no games with nobody. Don’t be late to nothing. Do your work on time. Do all the little stuff great… Do the little stuff right and we’ll be rewarded in the end. So, we’ve just got to do the little things the right way and then we’ll be just fine.”
Looking Ahead to a Promising Season
With this newfound focus and determination, the players are optimistic about what lies ahead. Montgomery expressed confidence in the direction the team is heading, saying, “I feel like everybody is going in the right direction right now. But I feel come August we’re gonna be a scary sight to see.”
As the Crimson Tide gears up for the upcoming season, the commitment to excellence and the drive to reclaim their championship status is evident. Fans can expect a team that is not only ready to compete but also eager to restore the pride and tradition associated with Alabama football.
The Road to Redemption
The 2024 season will undoubtedly be a test for the Crimson Tide, but with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to hard work, the players are poised to make a statement. The combination of a strong work ethic, a focus on discipline, and a desire to return to championship form could lead to a thrilling season for Alabama football.
As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, one thing is certain: the spirit of Alabama football is alive and well, and the Crimson Tide are ready to rise again. With the right mindset and a commitment to excellence, the 2024 season could be one for the history books.
