Bleacher Report Uses One Word to Describe Alabama’s Needs
Alabama football, under the direction of legendary head coach Nick Saban, has long been synonymous with dominance, excellence, and championships. Since Saban took the reins in 2007, the Crimson Tide have become a fixture in the College Football Playoff (CFP), winning multiple national championships and consistently boasting one of the most talented rosters in college football. However, in 2023 and 2024, the Tide faced some challenges that revealed a new reality for a program accustomed to being at the top of the mountain. In its analysis of Alabama’s current state, Bleacher Report has pinpointed one key word to describe what the Crimson Tide need most heading into 2025: Consistency.
But what does “consistency” mean for a program like Alabama? Does it refer to the play of individual players, the stability of the coaching staff, or perhaps the overall trajectory of the program in terms of success? To fully understand this assessment, we must dive into the specific areas where Alabama football needs to solidify its approach, eliminate inconsistency, and regain its competitive edge.
This article will explore the multi-dimensional need for consistency at Alabama, breaking down the areas where the team must improve, both on and off the field, and how this concept will influence their future success. From quarterback play and offensive rhythm to defensive fundamentals and program-wide discipline, consistency will be the key to Alabama reclaiming its place atop college football in 2025.
The Importance of Consistency in College Football
Before delving into Alabama’s specific needs for consistency, it’s essential to understand why this attribute is so crucial in college football—especially for a team with the expectations and resources of Alabama. College football is a sport defined by week-to-week unpredictability. A single loss can derail an entire season, and maintaining a high level of performance week in and week out is the difference between being a contender and a pretender.
For Alabama, consistency is needed in several critical areas:
- Player Performance – One of the most important factors in Alabama’s success over the years has been the consistency of its star players. From offensive weapons to defensive stalwarts, Alabama has been able to rely on top-tier athletes who can consistently perform at the highest level. However, in recent seasons, the program has faced moments of inconsistency—particularly in crucial positions like quarterback and wide receiver—that have prevented the team from operating at its full potential.
- Coaching Strategy – A hallmark of Nick Saban’s success has been his ability to adjust and adapt, but even for a coaching genius like Saban, consistency is vital in maintaining team discipline, developing talent, and sticking to a long-term vision. While Saban has maintained a high standard of success throughout his tenure at Alabama, the team’s coaching staff will need to stabilize areas like offensive play-calling, game management, and player development to avoid costly mistakes.
- Team Discipline – Consistency also refers to maintaining discipline both on and off the field. Alabama has prided itself on its tough, physical football style and its adherence to Saban’s “process,” a methodology that emphasizes discipline, focus, and attention to detail. When Alabama has faltered in recent seasons, it has often been due to a lack of mental consistency—whether it’s missed assignments, penalties, or losing focus during critical moments in games.
Quarterback Play: The Need for Consistent Leadership
One of the most glaring areas where Alabama has struggled with inconsistency in recent seasons is at the quarterback position. Over the last few years, Alabama has gone from a steady stream of high-level quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones to a more unsettled situation under center. The inconsistency at the quarterback position has been one of the most significant factors in Alabama’s inability to return to the pinnacle of college football.
In 2023, Jalen Milroe, a highly athletic but somewhat raw dual-threat quarterback, was thrust into the starting role following the departure of Bryce Young to the NFL. Milroe showed flashes of brilliance—his speed and physicality are undeniable—but also struggled with decision-making and accuracy at times. He was inconsistent throughout the season, leaving many questions about his ability to lead the team to a national championship.
The lack of a clear, consistent quarterback performance has hindered Alabama’s offensive rhythm. With such a talented roster surrounding the quarterback, Alabama has needed someone capable of reliably moving the offense and executing at a high level in big games. If Milroe is indeed the starter in 2025, his ability to provide that consistency will be paramount. If he continues to struggle, Alabama may look to another quarterback, like freshman Dylan Lonergan, to provide a spark. However, instability at quarterback will continue to be an issue unless the position is settled with a consistent and reliable leader.
The importance of quarterback consistency cannot be overstated. In an era where the best teams have elite quarterbacks who consistently perform in big games, Alabama’s chances at another national title in 2025 will largely depend on whether the quarterback position can provide that steady hand. Whether it’s Milroe or another player, Alabama needs a quarterback who can execute under pressure, avoid costly turnovers, and keep the offense humming week after week.
Offensive Consistency: Balancing the Run and the Pass
While Alabama has been known for its dominant rushing attack over the years, the evolution of college football—particularly in the SEC—has necessitated a more balanced offensive approach. The Tide’s offense has often leaned heavily on the run, with elite running backs like Najee Harris and Brian Robinson Jr. leading the charge. However, in 2023 and 2024, the lack of a consistent passing game hurt Alabama in key moments.
Alabama’s offense has had a tendency to be unpredictable, with offensive line issues and inconsistent play-calling affecting the overall flow of the unit. At times, the running game would click, but the passing attack was sluggish. Other times, the passing game would show promise, only for the offensive line to break down and force the quarterback into uncomfortable situations.
In 2025, Alabama’s offense must find balance. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who joined the program in 2024, must establish a consistent game plan that effectively integrates the running and passing games. The offensive line must be able to protect the quarterback and open up lanes for running backs. Wide receivers, who have been a weak point in the passing game recently, need to step up and develop more consistency in their route running and hands.
A consistent offensive attack is vital in the modern game of college football, where the ability to move the ball efficiently through both the air and on the ground is crucial to beating the best teams. Alabama has the talent to succeed offensively, but they need to bring consistency to all areas: from the play calling, to quarterback decision-making, to the execution of the offensive line and skill players. If Alabama can strike this balance, they will once again be one of the most formidable offensive teams in the nation.
Defensive Consistency: The Foundation of Alabama Football
While Alabama has had some offensive struggles, one area where the team has consistently performed at a high level is defense. However, even on this side of the ball, there have been moments of inconsistency in recent years.
Alabama’s defense, long known for being one of the toughest units in college football, was occasionally caught out of position in 2023 and 2024. The Crimson Tide’s defense had lapses in coverage, missed tackles, and struggled against elite passing offenses. This lack of consistency in defensive execution often cost Alabama in critical moments, especially when going up against high-powered offenses like those of LSU and Tennessee.
In 2025, Alabama will once again rely on its defense to lead the way. The return of defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, a familiar figure in the program, should bring a sense of stability to the defensive side of the ball. But for the defense to be truly elite, consistency is key. Alabama has some of the best athletes in the country on defense, including standout players like Dallas Turner and Kool-Aid McKinstry, but they need to deliver their best performances week in and week out. Defensive players must avoid mental lapses, stay disciplined, and make the necessary adjustments on the fly.
Moreover, the defense needs to improve in key areas like generating turnovers, stopping the run, and defending against dynamic passing attacks. Against a team like Georgia, which combines power running with a deadly passing game, Alabama’s defense will need to be sharp and focused. Consistency in execution will be what separates Alabama from other top teams in the nation.
Team Discipline and Mental Toughness
Beyond physical consistency, Alabama also needs to regain its mental consistency. Over the years, Nick Saban’s “process” has been the foundation of the team’s success. His philosophy stresses discipline, focus, and mental toughness. However, in the last couple of seasons, Alabama has shown signs of slipping in these areas. Whether it’s penalties, missed assignments, or mental lapses in key moments, the Tide has not always been as disciplined as they need to be to maintain their standard of excellence.
In 2025, Alabama must refocus on the mental aspects of the game. Players need to remain composed in high-pressure situations, execute under the spotlight, and avoid unnecessary mistakes. Saban’s ability to instill this mindset across the entire team will determine whether the Crimson Tide can reclaim their place atop college football.
The Road to Consistency
In summary, Bleacher Report’s choice of the word “consistency” to describe Alabama’s most pressing need heading into 2025 is a fitting assessment. For a program accustomed to dominance, Alabama must find stability in multiple facets of the game—from quarterback play and offensive rhythm to defensive execution and mental toughness.
While the Crimson Tide have the talent and resources to contend for a national title in 2025, they will not get there by simply relying on their legacy. To
reclaim their spot as the best team in college football, Alabama needs to perform consistently across all areas of the game. With Nick Saban leading the charge, it’s clear that this process of improvement is underway. The key, however, will be executing that consistency on the field, week in and week out. Only then will Alabama return to the heights that fans and analysts alike expect from the proud program.
