The "Alabama Standard" has been lowered for good following Nick Saban's retirement from the program in January 2024. The proof was clear as day during the Crimson Tide's embarrassing 31-17 loss to the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday.
Whereas Alabama was once known as an unrelenting defense that not only forced turnovers, but put up points, they're now known as a team you can run all over. That's certainly what FSU quarterback Tommy Castellanos and the Noles' RB room did at The Doak, accumulating 230 yards on the ground.
The Tuscaloosa News' Chase Goodbread doesn't expect the Crimson Tide defense to magically turn things around, considering the caliber of opponent Alabama was facing.
"Castellanos couldn't have asked for cleaner pockets and went largely untouched as long as he wasn't breaking out of the pocket to turn passing plays into runs. On several successful throws, no Crimson Tide pass rusher got anywhere near him. That doesn't bode well for Alabama going forward, considering the Seminoles' offensive line was patched together in the offseason with four transfer starters," Goodbread wrote.
FSU offensive coordinator and legendary former Auburn Tigers play-caller Gus Malzahn did it again.
This time, he may have exposed a crack in the foundation that causes the whole structure to crumble in Tuscaloosa.
Kalen DeBoer is not going to last beyond this year at Alabama
There couldn't have been a worse showing for Kalen DeBoer's team. Ty Simpson was 23/43 passing and was perhaps the one bright spot, which isn't saying much, but the running game was a complete non-factor.
Of course, defensive coordinator Kane Wommack is the true scapegoat and possibly worthy of an immediate firing. Nothing was improved from last season, when the Vanderbilt Commodores put up 40 on his unit.
But DeBoer was the one who didn't replace him and rode with a status quo that was unacceptable to Tide fans.
And he's the one who'll have to take ownership over whatever happens next.