After finishing off an awful season (9-4), Kalen DeBoer’s Bama is all set to make a much-needed comeback. But it looks like someone up there doesn’t want them to have an easy ride. As according to Tide’s insider Mick Gillispie, things might get tough for the team because of their schedule. Talking about the whole mess, Mick says, “They’re going to have to endure what I feel like is a very challenging schedule. The season starts at Florida State—that’s going to be a tough game. Look, I know Florida State had a terrible season this year, but the year before that, they went undefeated until they got run over by Georgia when half their team transferred.”

That’s a straight fact. In the season before last, Mike Norvell’s team achieved something extraordinary. However, this season, with a weak roster, they ended up with a 2-10 record. Nevertheless, they are working efficiently on their recruiting, aiming to secure 5-star players like Ty Haywood and Zahir Mathis. So, if FSU rebuilds, Doak Campbell Stadium could still create a challenging atmosphere for Kalen DeBoer’s team.

However, even their home game against Wisconsin could sway the outcome. Wisconsin has been improving, despite struggles with the transfer portal. Then, Alabama heads to Georgia, where the Bulldogs will be eager for revenge from the previous season. Additionally, Vanderbilt comes to Tuscaloosa, and Bama owes them some payback. Luckily, Bama also gets a break before facing Georgia and LSU. So, that’s like a killer deal for them.

And to be honest, Alabama’s season had its share of good and bad, but those penalties? That’s what’s really bugging DeBoer and the team. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg gave DeBoer’s first season at Alabama a C-. He criticized Alabama for ranking 115th in penalties, considering it a major issue. He also described the bowl game loss to Michigan as “inexcusable.” And now, this tough schedule might make things even worse for them.

But it looks like there’s still some hope left for Alabama, as there is one thing that can save them from this misery in the coming season. As Mick Gillispie says, “DeBoer has always made his money by getting the best out of his talent and developing players.” Now past season, Kalen DeBoer didn’t build the roster from scratch, and even the QB was also not his choice, but now with Keelon Russell on his team and many other fresh recruits, things might take a sweet turn for them.

Kalen DeBoer’s recruiting game

To start, the Alabama Crimson Tide has faced a challenging offseason, dealing with both the transfer portal and the NFL draft. Following a heartbreaking loss in the ReliaQuest Bowl, a total of nine players opted to enter the portal, bringing the overall departures to a staggering 26. Among these departures, the loss of right tackle Elijah Pritchett is particularly significant, as he was a crucial part of the O-line, having started all 13 games. His departure, along with others, has left a significant void that Alabama urgently needs to fill.

However, on the positive side, the Tide has not simply been sulking over their wounds; they have been actively replenishing their roster. One significant victory came early on with the commitment of London Simmons, a three-star defensive lineman from Harefield Academy in Mississippi. Simmons ultimately chose Alabama over offers from NC State and Arkansas, making his decision immediately after visiting Tuscaloosa. Moreover, he has already shown himself to be a team player, not only excelling on the field but also actively recruiting other players to join the Tide.

Additionally, Alabama’s success in the transfer portal is truly remarkable. With a total of 43 commits, including six five-star recruits, 24 four-star recruits, and 12 three-star recruits, the team’s talent pool is overflowing. DeBoer clearly isn’t ready to inherit Nick Saban’s leftovers.

Now it will be interesting to see whether this influx of new talent will translate into success on the field remains uncertain. However, if you root for the Tide, you know they always prepare to make a splash.