Stephen A. Smith is raising alarms about the state of Alabama football, and he’s not holding back. After the Crimson Tide’s shocking 24-3 loss to Oklahoma on Saturday, Smith, alongside Paul Finebaum and Shannon Sharpe, engaged in a heated discussion about the team’s struggles this season. The consensus? This has been a disappointing debut for head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Alabama’s Disappointing Season
“What has happened this season with Kalen DeBoer?” Smith posed on ‘First Take’ this morning. It’s a question that many fans are likely asking themselves as they reflect on a season that has seen Alabama stumble in ways that are hard to fathom.
Smith pointed out the shocking nature of Alabama’s losses. “You lost as No. 1 to Vanderbilt? That’s the first time you lost to Vanderbilt in 40 years. You lost to Vanderbilt, you lost a thriller to Tennessee. You’ve got three losses now,” he lamented. “You’re not going to compete for the SEC Championship. You’re not going to make the College Football Playoff, okay.”
More Than Just Losses
But it’s not just the losses that have Smith concerned. Sure, Alabama has lost at least two games in each of the past four seasons, but two of those seasons ended with playoff appearances. What really stands out this year is the manner in which the Tide have fallen short. “It’s not about losses all the time. It’s how you lose, the absence of attention to detail, you know. Like, you talk about the effort,” Smith explained.
He continued, “The mentality that you’ve brought from the Pacific Northwest at Washington? That don’t work in the SEC, especially at Alabama in succeeding Nick Saban who paid minute attention to everything. That cannot happen! But it has and they don’t look good at all.”
Calling for a Return to Saban
With the current state of affairs, Smith’s thoughts drift to the legendary Nick Saban. After just a year away from coaching, he believes Alabama fans should start a campaign to bring Saban back to the sidelines. “As far as I’m concerned, Alabama fans everywhere? They should be begging Nick Saban to quit College GameDay – because he’s doing a great job. Convince him, beg him to quit the damn show, okay, and go back to Alabama right now and save this program from an abyss,” Smith urged.
Assessing Kalen DeBoer’s Tenure
Yet, while the idea of Saban returning is more of a dream than a reality, the urgency for change is palpable. Smith is not convinced that DeBoer is the right fit for the SEC. “Kalen DeBoer in the SEC? I’m not feeling him, y’all. I’m just not feeling him,” he declared. “Roll Tide my behind. I mean this is bad. Roll Tide? You ain’t gonna hear me say that again. I’m ashamed of what we’ve seen. Roll over, Tide. Roll over, Tide. How about that? It’s bad. It’s bad.”
Playoff Hopes Dwindling
Smith’s disappointment is evident. “I’m very disappointed in Alabama. They don’t deserve to make the playoffs. I don’t want to hear about them being in the College Football Playoff. They’re not one of the top-twelve teams,” he stated emphatically. “Take your ass home! Go home, stay there, and lick your wounds. Goodbye!”
As the season progresses, Alabama finds itself at a crossroads. With three losses already, the dream of competing for an SEC Championship or a spot in the College Football Playoff seems like a distant memory. The Tide’s struggles have raised questions about the coaching staff, player performance, and the very identity of a program that once dominated college football.
Looking Ahead
What does the future hold for Alabama football? The fans are restless, and the pressure is mounting. The once-mighty Crimson Tide must reevaluate their strategy, approach, and perhaps even their leadership. Can Kalen DeBoer turn things around, or is it time for Alabama to consider a different direction? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the passion for college football runs deep, and the stakes have never been higher for Alabama.
