“He’s not Nick Saban” was something Paul Finebaum had claimed on July 22. Finebaum mentioned Kalen DeBoer has much to prove if he wants to keep the “next Nick Saban” mantle on. However, DeBoer is not someone you should underestimate. That man had taken Washington to all new heights when he was there and helped Michael Penix grab the Heisman trophy. Not only that, he also had taken Sioux Falls to 3 championship wins. It isn’t any wonder why he was the perfect person capable of taking up the Crimson Tide after the legend Nick Saban retired. With his offense-focused playbook, DeBoer has already transformed the tides.

And 5-star QB Jalen Milroe, under DeBoer, has become someone you should watch out for. During the scrimmage, Milroe shocked everyone with a solid touchdown. Bama Standard Network took to X on August 10 to highlight, “Jalen Milroe just connected with Ryan Williams on a 50-yard touchdown.” During the 2023 season, Milroe had a pass completion rate of around 55 under Saban. That drastically improved and increased to 70 while he was under DeBoer. Hell, Paul Finebaum, out of all the people, has agreed that under DeBoer, Milroe could become the next Heisman winner. “He has enough ability to be Heisman Finalist and lead Alabama to the playoff,” Finebaum had said.

Even on the Ross Tucker Podcast on July 30, Emory Hunt agreed that Milroe had become a powerhouse under DeBoer and possibly the best QB in the SEC. “I think Jalen Milroe is the best QB Prospect,” Hunt had mentioned. The Milroe-DeBoer pairing works magic. “You know he’s an offensive mind, so I’m able to grow each and every day with him.” Jalen Milroe explained this during an interview with Adam Breneman. The fundamental problem that Milroe always had was time to throw. When we see his performance during the scrimmages, it’s safe to say that the kid has improved in that aspect. However, is this improvement enough to deal with Tides’ principal rival?

On the other side

Kirby Smart. A name many had become more familiar with recently because of the entire drama that unfolded after Rara Thomas’ arrest. Smart was blamed for having a crime culture at the Bulldogs camp, with around 29 arrests. However, you cannot disagree that the team is in a solid spot this year. With Carson Beck at the helm, the Bulldogs have become the perfect opponent for DeBoer and Milroe.

Daniel Jeremiah took to X back on July 19 and had some high praise for Beck. “He can power the ball into tight windows,” Jeremiah had mentioned in his scouting report. No one can beat Beck in the pocket. The kid has a different type of velocity and ball placement and easily slips past defenders. Beck had also taken the Bulldogs to a 13-1 season, which speaks volumes. So, will DeBoer and Milroe be able to beat Smart and Beck? We are going to find out soon.