Despite preseason uncertainty and difficulties, Alabama football had a strong season and ended No. 9 in the final AP Poll.

Alabama football has long been synonymous with excellence, with the program frequently competing for national titles and being at the pinnacle of college football year after year. Head coach Nick Saban, one of the most successful coaches in college football history, has built a culture of winning that has made Alabama a perennial powerhouse. However, the 2024 season was different in many ways, and despite preseason uncertainty and difficulties, the Crimson Tide were able to navigate challenges and finish the season at No. 9 in the final Associated Press (AP) Poll.

This ranking is significant for several reasons. It reflects Alabama’s ability to weather the storm of preseason doubts, inconsistent play, and competition from other elite programs, ultimately maintaining their status as one of the top teams in college football. Though Alabama did not claim another national title in 2024, their strong finish in the final AP Poll proves that the Crimson Tide, under Saban’s leadership, are still a force to be reckoned with.

In this article, we’ll look back at the 2024 season, break down the challenges that Alabama faced, and examine how they were able to rally to finish in the top 10 despite adversity. From quarterback play to key injuries, recruiting, and the inevitable challenges presented by other powerful programs, we’ll explore the many factors that contributed to Alabama’s solid finish and how it sets them up for continued success in the future.

Preseason Uncertainty: Questions at Quarterback

Heading into the 2024 season, one of the most significant storylines surrounding Alabama football was the uncertainty at the quarterback position. The Crimson Tide had a talented group of signal-callers, but none had truly emerged as a clear leader. Jalen Milroe, the team’s returning quarterback, was a dual-threat quarterback with both a strong arm and impressive mobility, but he had yet to demonstrate the consistency required to be a dominant starter. Ty Simpson, another highly regarded young quarterback, was still developing and adjusting to the college game. As a result, there was a sense of instability around Alabama’s most important position.

Quarterback play is typically the defining factor for any elite college football program, and Alabama’s struggles under center were a big reason why many pundits and fans questioned whether the Crimson Tide could continue their national title pursuits. The question was whether Alabama’s defense and running game would be enough to compensate for potential inconsistencies at quarterback, and whether the Crimson Tide could find the right signal-caller to lead them to victory.

While Milroe and Simpson showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season, neither of them were able to seize complete control of the quarterback job. Milroe’s inconsistent play, including struggles with accuracy and decision-making, led to him sharing snaps with Simpson, who was still learning the ropes of college football. The quarterback carousel limited the offense’s ability to find a rhythm early in the season and was a major factor in Alabama’s difficulty in building momentum.

Inconsistent Play Early in the Season

Alabama’s early struggles were evident, especially in high-profile matchups. While the Crimson Tide managed to secure wins against weaker opponents, they faltered in key games against higher-ranked teams. In particular, a loss to Tennessee and a narrow defeat to LSU brought attention to Alabama’s vulnerabilities. The Crimson Tide’s inability to consistently put together strong performances on both sides of the ball raised doubts about whether they could contend with the best teams in the country.

In the loss to Tennessee, Alabama’s offense looked disjointed, and the defense, while still solid, gave up too many big plays. The game exposed weaknesses in the secondary and showed that Alabama was not as sharp as they had been in previous years. The LSU game followed a similar pattern, with Alabama struggling to contain the high-powered offense of the Tigers. Quarterback play was a significant issue in both contests, as neither Milroe nor Simpson was able to elevate the team in crucial moments.

Despite these early-season setbacks, Alabama was not ready to relinquish its spot among the elite teams in college football. The program has a rich history of bouncing back from adversity, and this season would be no different.

Defensive Strength and Stability

One of the key reasons Alabama was able to finish the season at No. 9 in the final AP Poll was the continued excellence of its defense. Under the leadership of defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, the Crimson Tide boasted one of the best defenses in college football in 2024. Alabama’s defense remained one of the most formidable units in the nation, with standout performances from players like Dallas Turner, Will Anderson Jr., and Kool-Aid McKinstry.

The defense was Alabama’s backbone throughout the season, and it was clear that Saban and Steele relied heavily on the defense to keep them competitive. Whether it was pressuring opposing quarterbacks, stifling the run game, or forcing turnovers, Alabama’s defense remained a constant source of strength.

Turner, in particular, had a breakout year, earning recognition as one of the top pass rushers in the country. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and create havoc in the backfield was a game-changer for the Crimson Tide. The defensive line, linebackers, and secondary all played at a high level, and this consistency on defense allowed Alabama to stay in games and ultimately compete for a spot in a major bowl game.

The defense was particularly dominant against weaker opponents and often carried the team when the offense struggled. Against the likes of Mississippi State, Arkansas, and Kentucky, Alabama’s defense pitched multiple shutouts and limited their opponents to under 200 yards of total offense.

Offensive Improvements Down the Stretch

Although Alabama faced challenges on offense early in the season, there was noticeable improvement as the year progressed. As the quarterback situation became more stable, and the offensive line began to gel, Alabama was able to find more consistency in its attack. While they never became an explosive, high-scoring unit, the offense improved enough to support the defense and keep Alabama competitive in key games.

Jase McClellan, the team’s starting running back, played a crucial role in providing balance to Alabama’s offense. McClellan had a solid season, amassing over 1,000 rushing yards and averaging nearly five yards per carry. His ability to pound the ball on the ground allowed Alabama to control the clock and take pressure off the quarterbacks. McClellan’s steady presence in the backfield helped to stabilize the offense and gave the team a reliable option when the passing game was inconsistent.

Additionally, wide receivers like Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond were able to step up and provide consistent playmaking. Burton, in particular, emerged as a reliable target for whichever quarterback was in the game, catching critical passes and making plays when needed. The chemistry between the quarterbacks and their receivers was not perfect, but it gradually improved over the course of the season.

By the time the team reached the final stretch of the season, Alabama had found a better offensive rhythm, even if they were not operating at the elite level that fans were accustomed to. With key players like McClellan and Burton stepping up, Alabama was able to finish the regular season on a high note, securing a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game.

The Strength of the SEC and the College Football Landscape

Another factor contributing to Alabama’s lower ranking was the intense competition within the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and across the broader college football landscape. The SEC has long been regarded as the most competitive conference in college football, and in 2024, that was especially true. Teams like Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee were all strong contenders for playoff spots, making it more difficult for Alabama to emerge as the dominant force they had been in the past.

The College Football Playoff selection committee also takes into account the strength of schedule and the quality of the teams that a program faces. While Alabama’s losses to Tennessee and LSU were certainly disappointing, those losses were to two of the top teams in the country. In the end, Alabama’s schedule was filled with tough competition, which ultimately hurt their chances of climbing higher in the rankings.

Despite this, the Crimson Tide were still able to finish in the top 10, an accomplishment that highlights the resilience and strength of the program. Being ranked No. 9 in the final AP Poll reflects a solid season, particularly given the challenges the team faced throughout the year.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Alabama Football

Although Alabama didn’t win a national championship in 2024, their strong finish in the final AP Poll should be seen as a positive sign for the future. The program remains one of the most talented in the country, with a rich recruiting pipeline that continues to bring in top-tier players. Nick Saban’s ability to adapt and continue winning at a high level, despite the challenges of rebuilding the offense and managing quarterback uncertainty, bodes well for the future.

As Alabama prepares for the 2025 season, there are plenty of reasons for optimism. With a more experienced quarterback situation and continued development from the younger players on the roster, the Crimson Tide will look to return to championship contention. The defense will continue to be a strong point, and with the offensive line and playmakers continuing to improve, Alabama is poised to challenge for the SEC title and a spot in the College Football Playoff.