The NCAA has created an absolute mess with the transfer portal.
Alabama’s roster is basically open season for 30 days. Tampering everywhere.
Meanwhile, Bama can’t do anything in response because the portal is closed for other teams that have not had a coaching change. Nuts.
With the hire of Wisconsin co-DC & safeties coach Colin Hitschler, I believe Bama has 1 more spot left on its coaching staff.
I can confidently say that this staff, from a pure coaching perspective, is much stronger than Saban’s last few staffs.
Coach Saban always finds the right words. We all love Ruggs as a player, but his actions here are indefensible. He has to be held accountable.
RIP to the victim and prayers to her family. One of the saddest situations I’ve seen in sports.
BREAKING: Former Washington OL Parker Brailsford has Committed to Alabama, he tells
@on3sports
The No. 1 IOL in the Transfer Portal started all 15 games for the Huskies this season
Will have 3 years of eligibility remaining
To be clear, this is not meant to disparage Grubb as an OC because I think he’s excellent.
But when he was OC at Fresno State in 2019, without DeBoer, his offense ranked 85th nationally.
DeBoer is the guy regardless of who the OC is.
Milroe didn’t play yesterday because he could not explain his reads from the Texas game during film study and he did not respond well in practice last week when he learned the other QBs would receive an opportunity.
To his credit, he was very supportive yesterday.
(1/2)
As expected, Bama LB Christian Harris has opted to enter the NFL Draft.
That should be it for Alabama as far as NFL departures. The Tide will return 9 of 11 starters from the starting defense in the NCG.
Final Thoughts
1. The INT by Downs changed the momentum. JM had just thrown a pick and Bama was in danger of going down 2 scores.
2. All credit to Milroe. Played much more instinctive in the 2nd half. Won the game with his arm. (Not something I thought I would ever say)
(1/4)
I think this deserves its own post.
This team brought me a ton of joy this year during a difficult time personally.
Tonight’s result is obviously disappointing, but don’t let it completely sour an incredible season.
Did you think we would be here after USF? I know I didn’t.
Now that we have some clarity on players leaving, my guess at the starting secondary next year as of today:
CB: Trey Amos
CB: Domani Jackson
STAR: Malachi Moore
S: Caleb Downs
S: DeVonta Smith
Alabama offered T-Rob a role with greater responsibility than he will have at Georgia.
If he doesn’t take it, then there is nothing more that could have been done.
UGA Final Thoughts
1. Just an unbelievable coaching job by Saban & staff. If you told me this team would finish 11-1, beat UGA, & make the CFP after the USF game, I would have said you were crazy.
2. Defense won the game. They set the tone after UGA’s 1st drive. Very physical.
To those saying that the hire should have been based on retaining the roster…
That’s short sighted. This was going to happen to some level regardless of who was hired. We’re replacing Nick fricking Saban.
Hire the best coach period. Players come and go.
Final Thoughts
1. Bama played with more discipline tonight - few penalties. Hopefully, that’s something that continues throughout the year.
2. Milroe deep ball 👍. Still some improvement to be made in the short & intermediate range to make teams defend the whole field.
(1/2)
The commitment of 5-star DB Tony Mitchell is an absolutely huge pickup for Bama.
The Tide have been in it, but many thought he would ultimately leave the state. Elite player with all the tools.
#RollTide
Let me just say, I absolutely love Roydell Williams. He could have transferred long ago but stuck around.
With that said, it was going to be very difficult to keep Jam Miller and Justice Haynes happy if he returned.
This is probably a good outcome for everyone.
He may be the best option at this point, but there will continue to be issues if he can’t work through progressions.
Simpson isn’t ready yet in my opinion, but he should have played more the first few games.
There is no clear choice. There are pro and cons with either.
(2/2)
LSU Final Thoughts
1. First complete game Bama has played all year & what a time to do it. The ceiling has increased in my view but still a lot of football to be played.
2. Rees called a fantastic game. Run game was more creative. Emphasis on getting to the edge. Heavy QB run.
Milroe and Buchner were probably the best QBs in today’s scrimmage. I think some have been too quick to dismiss Buchner.
Milroe solid today. Probably not as good as the 1st scrimmage.
At this point, I’ll be surprised if Milroe doesn’t take the first snap against MTSU.
(1/2)
With fall camp just a few days away, here are some notes on the QB battle:
1.Some inside the football building feel that the competition comes down to Simpson & Buchner. The thinking being that they are most capable of playing within the offense Bama wants to run.
I said it before a hire was even made.
Things are going to get worse before they get better.
This transition is unprecedented in college football history.
A lot of kids came to Bama for Saban, not Bama. It’s going to take some time to move past that.
I don’t think anyone should be surprised that Doug Marrone won’t return as Bama’s OL coach next year. A change has been in the works for a while.
Will be watching BOB closely with the Pats OC job now open.
Former LSU CB & 5-star Eli Ricks just announced he is transferring to Bama.
Huge pickup for the Tide at a position of need. Softens the blow of losing D. Jackson to USC.
#RollTide
Interested to see how Olaus Alinen develops at Alabama. He’s rated as a tackle but wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up at guard. High potential but still raw.
#Bama
Kevin Steele is a solid defensive coordinator with experience in Saban’s system. He is also an excellent position coach.
It’s not a sexy hire, but consider him an upgrade over Golding. At the very least, Bama will be more physical defensively.
On Josh Jobe…
Both he and the staff decided earlier this week that it would be best, for all involved, to go ahead and have surgery on his turf toe.
Kool-Aid and Khyree Jackson will step in. Need JAD to get healthy.
NDSU transfer Grant Nelson is currently on a visit to Bama, and all sounds positive so far.
Landing Nelson is critical to the success of the 2023-24 team after the unexpected departure of Charles Bediako.
Nelson is expected to visit Arkansas later this week.
@TideIllustrated
Good move by Jaylen Moody to exit the transfer portal and return to Bama.
Lawson and others will provide stiff competition, but he will have every opportunity to start next to To’o To’o at inside LB.
5-star OT Kadyn Proctor is a huge addition for Bama, literally. 6-7, 330. Hats off to Saban & Wolford for not giving up on him.
He is the cherry on top of an excellent OL class.
#RollTide
3. How about the defense? Only 3 points given up after halftime. One of the big keys was to pressure Max Johnson. Did that consistently in the 2nd. 15, 41, & 92 came up big.
4. Have to find a way to be more imaginative in the run game. Way too predictable.
(2/4)
This is not confirmed but Washington co-DC/Safeties coach Chuck Morrell is expected to join Kalen DeBoer’s staff at Alabama in some role.
Per Chris Low of ESPN, Bama’s current RB Coach Robert Gillespie and DL Coach Freddie Roach are expected to be retained.
There’s no shame in losing to a good LSU team on the road in OT.
But geez, the rate at which this team just gives away the basketball is hard to watch. 21 turnovers.
Just tip your hat to UConn. Great team and well coached.
Bama’s margin for error was almost zero in this game, and they just weren’t quite at top form.
Hell of a season. Proud of this team.
5. Burton giveth and Burton taketh. He can be a head-case, but I’ve always stood by his talent. Don’t think they win the game w/o him. Bama has weapons between Burton, Bond, & Niblack.
6. Officials were horrible, but we are undisciplined. Can’t win big if not cleaned up.
(3/4)
Bama continues an absolutely tremendous run on the recruiting trail with the commitment of 5-star RB Richard Young.
They now have 2 of the top 3 running backs in the nation committed.
If Bama can somehow escape College Station with a win on Saturday, watch out.
This is a tough matchup. A&M is extremely talented, especially their defensive front. Top 5 nationally in sacks and TFL.
Conversely, Bama is near the bottom in negative plays & sacks allowed.
NEWS: Five-Star Plus+ WR Ryan Williams tells me he has Cancelled his visit to Auburn & has officially shut down his Recruitment
The Top 5 Recruit in the ‘24 Class committed to the Crimson Tide earlier this evening
Williams will sign his NLI in February
I wouldn’t jump to any conclusions on Parker Brailsford just yet.
Regardless, James Brockermeyer has had a good spring and is taking the 1st team reps at center.
Tommy Rees has been here for 8 months. Lack of development is more on the previous coach than him.
Also, I think Bama would have already switched QBs if it was solely up to Rees.
Went back & looked at the replay from Saturday night. I counted exactly ZERO offense snaps which Milroe checked to a different play. I may have missed one, but c’mon. That’s unacceptable in today’s CFB at any level. Tommy Rees needs to either coach him up or replace him.
7. Bottom line…big time road win in a tough environment. Obviously, there is a ton to work on (putting a game away first on the list), but this team has a chance to win the West.
Focus on one game at a time, and by the end of year, we can be a much improved team. RTR
(4/4)
On Ryan Williams…
There were definitely factors that played in Alabama’s favor, but for Kalen DeBoer & staff to regain his commitment in just 2 weeks is extremely impressive.
Saban, T-Rob, & Wiggins were his closest relationships on the former staff. All gone.
(1/2)
BREAKING: Five-Star Plus+ WR Ryan Williams tells me he has Committed to Alabama!
The Top 5 Recruit in the ‘24 Class chose the Crimson Tide over Auburn, Texas A&M, and LSU
“Welcome to the DeBoer Era 😉”
More thoughts on Wommack…
We’ve talked about the DC needs to be able to manage the D completely.
I’m confident he can do that with his experience as a HC & DC.
Tons of experience with the 4-2-5.
Both of these were questions with T-Rob despite his stellar recruiting ability.
Kalen DeBoer has zeroed in on South Alabama head coach Kane Wommack to be
@AlabamaFTBL
’s DC and a deal is in the process of being finalized, sources tell me and
@ESPNRittenberg
. Wommack was previously the DC at Indiana.
So Alabama beats undefeated
#1
Georgia in Atlanta in football, and a
#1
seed North Carolina in basketball.
But they were “gifted” both paths. Sorry, we didn’t have to face mighty Yale.
Alabama has a had a rough go at semi-final games this year.
its almost like you shouldn’t gift programs a path to the title game if they don’t deserve 🫣
Germie Bernard brings a ton of juice to Bama’s WR room. Acceleration is impressive - he gets to full speed in a hurry.
Would have been Washington’s
#1
WR next season.
BREAKING: Former Washington WR Germie Bernard has officially Committed to Alabama, he tells
@on3sports
The 6’2 200 WR totaled 41 Receptions for 547 Yards & 4 TDs in his 2 years with the Huskies
Will have 2 years of eligibility remaining
On Nick Sheridan as OC…
DeBoer will be heavily involved in the offense, as he always has been, so I’m not surprised he wants someone he is completely familiar with.
Especially since the scheme is completely new to these players.
(1/2)
Former Florida WR commit Isaiah Bond will announce his commitment in a little over an hour.
Expect Bama to land him. The Tide has been in good position since his decommitment from the Gators.
2022 WR and recent LSU decommit Aaron Anderson has committed to Bama.
Had been trending this way but surprised he pulled the trigger this early.
Elite athleticism and speed at 5-9 185. Very good in the return game. Dynamic with the ball in his hands.
#RollTide
Can confirm Bruce Feldman’s report that Washington OL Coach Scott Huff and TE Coach Nick Sheridan are also expected to be part of Kalen DeBoer’s staff at Alabama.
SOURCE: Ryan Grubb is expected to be in Tuscaloosa in the next day or so as Bama’s new OC. Expect OL coach Scott Huff, WRs coach JaMarcus Shephard & TEs coach Nick Sheridan to join em. Bama RBs coach Robert Gillespie is expected to remain on staff.
WHAT A WIN. Bama just showed they can beat a quality opponent without Brandon Miller playing well.
The Tide played excellent defense down the stretch. Ryan Griffen filled the void offensively. He’s quickly becoming a force.
BREAKING: Alabama DB Trey Amos plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells
@on3sports
The 6’1 197 DB from St. Martinville, LA totaled 12 Tackles & 6 Passes Defended in 2023
Will have 1 year of eligibility remaining
As I reported earlier this week, Washington CB Jabbar Muhammad is planning a visit to Alabama this week. Here's a look at what he said about the Crimson Tide ⬇️
Kalen DeBoer has zeroed in on South Alabama head coach Kane Wommack to be
@AlabamaFTBL
’s DC and a deal is in the process of being finalized, sources tell me and
@ESPNRittenberg
. Wommack was previously the DC at Indiana.
Kalen Deboer is 104-12 as a college head coach. 104-12!
This is an excellent hire.
There will be some growing pains, but I don’t think Alabama could have done any better.
#RollTide
I would recommend that people reserve judgment in the Brandon Miller situation until we have all the facts. The situation has been and continues to be misrepresented in the media.
Some random thoughts on Bama today:
1. A lot of hype for the OL in camp. Be patient. Even some of Bama’s best OLs took a few games to completely gel.
2. Can Milroe work through progressions and pass effectively? Super high upside but needs to do the little things right.
(1/2)
Definitely not 100% the reason. I know for a fact that Saban & staff had to talk him out of the portal just after the Rose Bowl.
Saban’s retirement was probably the nail in the coffin, but NIL is a huge factor.
Alabama transfer wide receiver Isaiah Bond has committed to Texas, which he told ESPN is a “business decision” in the wake of Nick Saban’s retirement. Bond led Alabama in receptions last season with 48 and said Saban’s retirement was “100-percent” the reason for his transfer.
OM Final Thoughts
1. Defense got after it. What an effort. That’s the best DL has played under Roach. DBs were consistently in good position. Didn’t even have Lawson most of the game. Turner was an animal. A few long yardage plays where they didn’t bring enough pressure.
(1/4)
That might have been the most disappointing performance of the season for Bama. 19 turnovers. Horrible defense. No energy.
Better wake up or it will be a quick postseason.
Texas Final Thoughts
1. Took some time to rewatch and think about the game. Hats off to Bama for finding a way to win, but this team is way too talented to play that poorly.
2. Will Reichard is an absolute weapon. They would have lost the game without him.
(1/7)
The biggest hole left on Alabama’s roster is cornerback.
It would be nice to add a top quality player at that position, but I’m not sure there is going to be one available.
Need more depth regardless.
Of the five Alabama players now in the transfer portal, Drew Sanders is the only one that surprises me.
He wasn’t going to play at OLB next year with Anderson and Turner returning but thought they may move him inside.
Quick Thoughts:
1. The better team won in my opinion. Michigan executed more consistently in the biggest moments.
2. That said, it is disappointing to lose a TD lead so late in the game. Bama defense played well mostly, but the last two series were just awful.
(1/3)
Final Thoughts
1. Team goal
#1
every year is to win the SEC West. This team has come a long way since the TX game.
2. Milroe’s progression is one of the quickest I’ve seen. He has become the linchpin for this offense. Let’s hope that continues because Bama needs him.
(1/3)
2023 4-star TE and Ohio State commitment Ty Lockwood has flipped to Alabama.
Excellent player. Bama missed on a few TE targets early, so this is a big get. A need position for this class.
Not gonna lie. I teared up.
I still remember attending Saban’s first game at Bama versus Western Carolina in 2007 with my dad.
Little did I know then the impact a man I have never met would have on my life.