The 2024 college football season is going to look very different. From conference realignment to a 12-team playoff, the new era is hoping to attract more fans to the sport.
Another notable change will be Nick Saban sitting behind a desk while watching the new Alabama head coach, Kalen DeBoer, try to continue the great work Saban did in his 18 years with the program. With the changing of the guard comes questions. Can Alabama continue the success they had under Saban?
The media is totally divided on that answer. One ESPN analyst isn't high on Alabama at all this season, naming four other SEC teams that have better chances of making the College Football Playoffs.
Harry Douglas appeared on ESPN First Take on Friday morning and shared four other SEC teams that he is higher on than Alabama this season.
"“I would say this, it’s not a guarantee that Alabama’s going to make the College Football Playoff. When I look at the SEC right now, I could name four teams that I could think of before I even get to Alabama. And that’s Texas, Georgia, Missouri and Ole Miss. And then I talk about Alabama.”"Harry Douglas on ESPN First Take
With the exclusion of divisions in the SEC in 2024 and in the future, the top of the conference is set to be as competitive as ever. Therefore, this is not a wild take. It would not be a bad take if you have Alabama above three of those teams. Georgia is the only exception, as they are the clear number one team in the SEC.
Ole Miss, Missouri, and Texas have good rosters, as do three other teams that were not mentioned. Oklahoma, Tennessee, and LSU should not be ruled out regarding playoff spots. The Southeastern Conference is set to have its best season yet.
Alabama has a demanding schedule in Kalen DeBoer's first season, playing five of the above teams and the always-tough Iron Bowl. Will the Crimson Tide survive the schedule to make it to the first 12-team playoff?