Alabama preview: A new era in Tuscaloosa begins as Tide take on Western Kentucky
Kalen DeBoer’s much anticipated debut pits the Crimson Tide against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
By: Dave in Tuscaloosa
Kalen Deboer will try to maximize Jalen Milroe's potential in 2024 .
A new era of Alabama football kicks off on Saturday as the 5th ranked Crimson Tide opens the 2024 campaign against Conference USA’s Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. It will be the first time since 2007 that Nick Saban will not be on the Tide sidelines. Enter Kalen DeBoer, the 49-year-old former Washington Huskie head coach that has taken on the dubious task of being “the guy that follows the GOAT.” Kickoff at Bryant-Denny Stadium is set for 7:00 EST. Saban never lost a season opener, and DeBoer gets his first shot at a season opener against a Hilltopper team that returns key parts from a squad that finished 8-5 a year ago and is expected to challenge for the Conference USA title.
DeBoer is well known for his prolific offenses, and his first Tide team is loaded on that side of the football. Junior quarterback Jalen Milroe returns under center after a stellar sophomore campaign that saw the signal caller improve dramatically throughout the season. In DeBoer’s system, Milroe and the entire offense is predicted to have a high ceiling. Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan has weapons all over the field and a revamped line led by three returning starters and Washington transfer Parker Brailsford, who anchored the Huskie’s Joe Moore award winning unit in 2023, has Bama fans excited. The running back room is deep as returners Jam Miller and Justice Haynes earned rave reviews for their work during fall camp. In addition, Milroe, the team’s third leading rusher in ’23, can cause serious problems for opposing defenses with his legs. If there is a question on the offense, it is the receiving corps that suffered heavy losses to graduation and the transfer portal. The Tide return contributors Kobe Prentice and Kendrick Law. Joining them will be Washington transfer Germie Bernard and freshman five-star recruit Ryan Williams. Punter James Burnip returns, and the Tide welcomes senior transfer place kicker Graham Nicholson from Miami (Ohio), who won last year’s Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top kicker. Defensively, the Tide has less experience and will have a new look. It may take a bit longer for the defense to gel but expect defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s young but talented unit to find their footing early in the season. Returning linebackers Devontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell, as well as safety Malachi Moore are key pieces to what should be a formidable unit.
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers enter their season opener against Alabama as a respectable opponent. The Hilltoppers have been known for their passing attack, which ranked 15th in the nation in 2023. Under center should be Texas State transfer TJ Finley, whose previous stops include LSU and Auburn. The last time the Tide saw Finley, who stands at 6’7 and weighs 249 pounds, was during their dramatic 24-22 overtime victory at Auburn in 2022. The receiving corps lacks experience but appears to have depth and talent. The same goes for a rushing attack that lacked production last year, ranking 117th in the nation. There is excitement surrounding senior tailback Elijah Young. Only two starters return on the offensive line, which could be an area of concern when going up against Alabama. Consistent kicker Lucas Carneiro returns for his sophomore year. On the defensive side of the ball, many questions surround the 2024 unit. The defensive line returns experience and appears to have depth, and the Hilltoppers will depend on their front. The defensive backfield appears to be a strength, as Kylan Guidry, Sebastian Benjamin, and standout Upton Stout comprise one of CUSA’s top units.
The anticipation and excitement surrounding this game has been building since the spring, and Bryant- Denny will be electric for DeBoer’s debut. Look for the Tide to feed off the energy and get off to a quick start. Milroe will distribute the ball well to numerous receivers and he will show improvement in the short to mid-range passing game. The Tide backs will make an immediate impact and what could be the SEC’s best offense will have a big night, racking up points and yards. The Hilltoppers and Finley will do all they can to stretch the Tide’s inexperienced secondary, but success will be limited. In the end, DeBoer wins his Bama debut going away.
Alabama 48
Western Kentucky 13
