The ‘Nick Saban problem’. This is something that has been rampant for Kirby Smart as well as Kalen DeBoer. However, while the Bulldogs have found their footing, it looks like the Tide under Kalen DeBoer is taking a while. The issue right now is the ‘expectations’. With Saban’s retirement and DeBoer being hired as the HC, what followed the new Tide coach were the hopes and dreams of the fans.

And all of it is coming crashing down after what happened against Vandy and South Carolina. So, in the Week 7 press conference, Huskers HC Matt Rhule points the main problem out. “If you lose a coach to a better job or a different job, it can decimate your program,” Rhule mentioned. Following the entire retirement fiasco, we pointed out that the Bama roster had suffered a major blow.

With losing out on over 17 starts and key players transferring out of the program, things looked like a disaster. However, DeBoer did manage to bounce back with exceptional recruitment and gaining momentum over time. Still, it brings us back to the same key issue; expectations. Stephen A. Smith was the first one to point this out even before the season began.

“Everybody looking at you and they’re going like this damn we missed Nick,” Smith had noted back on ESPN First Take. Look, we won’t argue. Having a roster like the one Bama does and then getting thrashed by 2 unranked teams back-to-back is not a good look. The Vandy game should’ve been an easy win, but the overconfidence after the Bulldogs win cost Kalen DeBoer and Co. the entire showdown.

And the same problems happened against South Carolina as well. The offensive line was not up to the mark, and the defense was lacking as well. However, you gotta keep one thing in mind; DeBoer and Saban are 2 different coaches. The dynasty which Bama has was built by Saban and it was not an easy task. What DeBoer needs right now is time in the locker room with the boys. We all know that Ryan Williams, Jalen Milroe, and even Malachi Moore are capable of doing much more. Now, coming back to the present, the next showdown that the Tide will step into will decide what future awaits for the team.

Kalen DeBoer’s last shot at redemption

Bama stands in the 7th spot on the AP polls now. This comes after their disappointing win against the Gamecocks. In all honestly, they would’ve lost that game if the Gamecocks QB hadn’t missed his last-moment pass toward the endzone.

However, going into Week 7, Bama has a shot at bouncing back, reclaiming its top spot if it manages to win against the Vols. Going into Rocky Top, the first thing DeBoer has to work on is the defensive line. Bama’s defenses have been struggling for a while now and against the Vols offensive line, we could see the Tide falter badly.

The third down defense is the main rotten apple, and it needs some fixing fast. Also, the offensive line. Jalen Milroe has not been on point lately. While it is true that he is one of the elite QBs this season, however, the performance against Vandy and Gamecocks leaves much to be desired. If DeBoer manages to get Milroe back online, then this showdown should end up becoming the perfect redemption for the team.