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Road Tests, Georgia Clash Top 4 Hurdles for Alabama in 2024
Nick Saban has left the building as evidenced by Alabama being fourth in the SEC Championship odds at +900. Bettors and oddsmakers alike are waiting on new coach Kalen DeBoer to prove he can keep ’Bama as a title contender.
The Crimson Tide will be taking punches from some of the SEC’s best as DeBoer moves from the Pacific Northwest to the Deep South. Not only that, but Alabama has a rare non-conference road game against Wisconsin in Madison. Something tells us Roll Tide Willie is on high alert without Saban.
Here are four Alabama games that will determine the Crimson Tide’s season.
Top 4 Challenges on Alabama Schedule
1. Top Test Comes on Sept. 28 vs Georgia
We are used to these two teams meeting in December to crown an SEC champion. This may very well still be the case, but first we will see the two rivals square off on Sept. 28.
The good news for DeBoer is the Crimson Tide get to host this marquee matchup in Tuscaloosa. ’Bama also gets a bye week to prepare for Kirby Smart’s crew.
Yet, the challenge is that this Georgia squad looks to be much deeper than Alabama. There’s a reason why Alabama is already a 5-point dog to the Dawgs at our sportsbook.
2. LSU Matchup in Baton Rouge Looms in November
The coaches may have changed over the years but the stakes are still the same. It is another November and this game still matters, even with Nick Saban and Les Miles no longer on the sideline.
It is more than conceivable to think that ’Bama could enter this Nov. 9 rivalry game as underdogs. Alabama’s fate this season depends largely on how quarterback Jalen Milroe progresses from last season.
Alabama’s strength of schedule is currently ranked No. 6, according to ESPN’s FPI. pic.twitter.com/nDz4VomfNq
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) June 11, 2024
Milroe improved greatly since getting benched against South Florida, but there still appeared to be a gap between the Alabama quarterback and college football’s elite.
3. ’Bama Visits Oklahoma One Week Before the Iron Bowl
Welcome to the new SEC where Alabama-Oklahoma is a conference matchup. The timing of this previously rare game is interesting as Bama travels to Norman on November 23.
This is one week before the annual Iron Bowl clash versus Auburn and just in time to potentially ruin the Crimson Tide’s chances to make the College Football Playoff (assuming the Tide already have one loss).
Oklahoma is a major question mark heading into 2024. Quarterback Jackson Arnold has enough upside to make the Sooners instant contenders in the SEC. There are also enough potential pitfalls where Alabama is a heavy favorite by the time November hits.
4. DeBoer’s First Major Test at Wisconsin on Sept. 14
As if Alabama’s 2024 schedule was not weird enough following conference realignment, add in this interesting wrinkle. DeBoer’s first true test will come in Madison, Wis., not when the Tide’s SEC schedule begins.
Alabama opens the season versus Western Kentucky and USF, but Wisconsin is the first marquee team the Crimson Tide face. There are likely better teams on the Tide’s schedule than Wisconsin, but this will be DeBoer’s first true test as the team’s new head coach.
All this has Alabama further in the college football betting odds than normal when it comes to the title contenders. ’Bama is +1400 in the national championship odds, and you could make a lot less prudent bets than taking a flier on the Tide. Yet, I still have plenty of questions about ’Bama heading into 2024.
“I want to be a champion before I leave here.”
Deontae Lawson brings a championship mindset to the Alabama defense.#RollTide | @Gatorade pic.twitter.com/M5zDWO81AL
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) June 19, 2024
Questions of the Day
What are Alabama's national championship odds for 2024?
Alabama is listed at +1400 in the college football national title odds.
What are Alabama’s odds to win the SEC this season?
Alabama is listed at +900 in the SEC title odds making them fourth among favorites.
