An analyst from Mike Farrell Sports predicted that Kalen DeBoer’s debut season as Alabama’s head coach will not include a spot in the College Football Playoff. The analyst identified Auburn, along with five other SEC teams, as potential challengers to the post-Nick Saban Crimson Tide.

According to the analyst, “Kalen DeBoer will go 9-3 this season, miss the SEC title game and the playoff, and Alabama fans will lose their minds.” They added, “The SEC is highly competitive, and with Texas and Oklahoma joining, it’s even tougher. There are six teams—Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, LSU, Oklahoma, and Auburn—that could potentially beat them, and I believe Alabama will lose half of these matchups.”

Auburn, which faces three of these teams plus Alabama, might find it challenging to secure a College Football Playoff spot in 2024. However, the significant efforts by Hugh Freeze on the recruiting front could set the stage for a strong postseason appearance by 2025 or 2026.

Kalen DeBoer Faces Tough Challenge in 2024 at Alabama

Away games at unmentioned Wisconsin, Tennessee, LSU, and Oklahoma present significant challenges for DeBoer in his first year post-Saban. However, the schedule does offer opportunities for revenge against Georgia and a chance to face a dark horse Mizzou team.

Despite these challenges, Alabama retains several elite players from the end of the Saban era, and much of last year’s roster is familiar with the coaching staff. According to BamaOnline’s Clint Lamb, the team is adapting well to the new regime.

“I’m not saying there wasn’t energy at Nick Saban’s practices, but I feel like guys are having a little bit more fun,” Lamb said. “It’s also laser-focused, and I think that’s a really good combination…”

If this is accurate, it’s a positive sign for Alabama. Nonetheless, the situation in Tuscaloosa typically demands patience. The “Bama Standard” remains high, and DeBoer will need to meet these expectations to maintain the favor of the Alabama faithful.