Under Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide was a potent force. With multiple championship wins, the team had the most solid defense in the country. So it’s natural that people were skeptical of what the Crimson Tide would go through once Kalen DeBoer came into the picture. Stephen A. Smith put it perfectly back on ESPN First Take on July 22. “Everybody looking at you and they’re going like this d*mn we missed Nick,” Smith said. This is what DeBoer has to deal with. The ridiculous expectations that await him. However, it looks like he will prove everyone wrong and keep carrying on the “next Nick Saban” mantle.

With the Crimson Tide scrimmage underway, the team has received hints of greatness. quarterback Jalen Milroe had secured a solid 50-yard touchdown on the field alongside Ryan Williams. Wyatt Fulton took to X on August 10 to share what DeBoer had to say. “When plays need to be made, they’re being made,” DeBoer had said. The football was all over the place, and for good reasons. The team didn’t depend on a single guy to make a play. Everyone was involved equally and made exceptional rushes and plays. However, one name that stands out from the crowd during the scrimmage would be 5-star recruit Ryan Williams. Learning under senior Malachi Moore himself, Williams has made quite the progress. He assisted Jalen Milroe during his 50-yard touchdown.

While playing as a junior back in Saraland, Williams already has 19 touchdown passes and 1300+ yards reception under his belt. Even DeBoer had high praise for Williams during SEC Media Days. “The thing that has impressed me the most about Ryan is his maturity,” DeBoer had mentioned. With Williams, Moore, and Keon Sabb watching over the defense, it’s safe to say that the Crimson Tide players are in safe hands. However, the fundamental question is, would this be enough to deal with Kirby Smart’s defense?

Nick Saban’s disciple

We all know that Paul Finebaum has had some weird takes over the years. However, on July 16, Finebaum mentioned that “Kirby is the new Nick Saban.” Now, many Bulldogs fans would agree with this. Kirby Smart has learned everything from Saban himself. He also follows Saban’s defensive playbook and has ensured the Bulldogs have a solid defense line.

Even Nick Saban himself has said that he expects Georgia to appear in the SEC championship. Smart has experience handling the Crimson Tide. He even defeated his mentor back during the SEC Championship in 2022. The Bulldogs would put up a solid fight for the Crimson Tide with Carson Beck in the lead.