17 years ago, what laid the groundwork for Alabama to become one of the greatest teams in college football has come back to haunt the Tide in the modern era. Nick Saban is out there rolling in his seat right now, and honestly, a New Year couldn’t have started on a worse note for Bama fans. The Crimson Tide are down for the 2nd time against the Michigan Wolverines, and this was devastating. “Nobody is feeling sorry for Alabama. They did it to themselves.” If, even after this, you remotely think that Alabama deserved a playoff spot, then you should start reevaluating your entire life. -2 yards in the first half. Are you kidding? Is this the Bama team we all knew?

“MELTDOWN ALERT.” The entire Alabama fan forum (BamaOnLine) had a meltdown after this loss and it is natural why. 17 years ago when Nick Saban took the coaching helm at Bama, the Tide went 7-6. Arguably one of the worst records in the program’s history but also a year that kick-started their picture-perfect 12-win run in 2008 and the following natty wins. This is poetically sad. For Kalen DeBoer, this was his first year at Bama, and he ended the season with a 9-4 record. No playoff. No Bowl wins. Now could this possibly end up becoming a redemption arc and a resurgence of Crimson Tide football in the next few seasons? We gotta wait and watch.

However, one fact that has solidified itself this season is Jalen Milroe‘s downfall from an elite Bama QB1 to a one-dimensional predictable player who can’t even land a proper pass despite having the receiver and running back corp open. “I don’t think he should go to the draft cause I don’t think he is NFL-ready,” every single word former Bama RB Damien Harris mentioned stands true.

You are not made for the NFL when your defense is handing you turnovers, but you result in an interception and cannot make pocket plays as the O-line collapses. 5 sacks? Seriously? Let The Naysayers Know you’re bad. All of this done by a Michigan team that didn’t even have 9 of its starters present? He-k, even the Bluebloods offense, was a disaster.

Kalel Mullings and Colston Loveland. 2 key players from the offense, didn’t even play, and even QB Davis Warren was sidelined because of an injury. Yet Michigan got away with 19 points on the board against a team that had once held Georgia to zero points in a quarter. Like, what in the world happened? Even the fans want to know!!

A disappointing end for one of the greatest teams in college football

“Jalen Milroe has taken years of my life I will never get back,” a fan wrote on the forum. The downfall that started after the Vandy loss should’ve been the biggest eye-opener for the Bama offense. Under pressure, Milroe is nothing. 42% completion against 5 loss Sooners team. How do you erase this from your resume?

“Bench his —. Bye, Milroe you won’t be missed,” another fan mentioned. This year was a blessing in disguise. Alabama needs a serious overhaul at their QB depth. The backups are tragic, and the QB1 is a better runner than a passer (make him the RB or something, man, because quarterback ain’t his role).

“This team is dog—-,” one fan wrote. Blaming the whole team won’t do. Kane Wommack‘s defense has done a really good job throughout the season. Yes, there were some bad plays, but they have always brought the offense more than enough chances to turn the game around.

Some fans dragged DeBoer down as well (which is quite natural). “DeBoer has no b-lls. Bad hire,” a fan wrote. Should’ve replaced OC Nick Sheridan the moment the Sooners’ loss happened. This man has ZERO clue what to do with the WRs and RBs. Bama, despite having solid players like Ryan Williams, barely made any use of it.

A haunting reminder of how Sheridan sabotaged the entire Oklahoma game by trying to play Milroe in the wrong role. Finally, a fan agreed with the previous comment and mentioned, “Boom. Said it.” The flame either dies out after this disastrous season, or DeBoer makes a Nick Saban-level comeback next year.

But if Milroe stays back. The latter ain’t happening.