Alabama Predicted by CBS Sports to Exceed Expectations

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There are plenty of questions surrounding the Alabama Crimson Tide before training camp starts this summer.

Alabama's running game was atrocious last season, and it's unclear if head coach Kalen DeBoer did enough to remedy the offense. 

Quarterback Ty Simpson is set to be drafted next month, and was basically the entire offense for the Crimson Tide in 2025. 

Following Alabama's humiliating 38-3 defeat to the hands of Indiana at the Rose Bowl, DeBoer needs to show some progress in Year 3 of his program in Tuscaloosa.

ESPN thinks the Crimson Tide will regress under a new quarterback, but Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports argued that DeBoer and his team could do better than projected in the upcoming season.

"It's been a while since Alabama had such low expectations amongst oddsmakers, with books listing an over-under win total of 8.5 for the upcoming season," Marcello wrote. 

"If he falls below eight wins, do you foresee a situation in which he returns for a third season as the Tide's coach? Luckily for him, we're going out on a limb and forecasting a 10- or 11-win regular season."

Marcello is projecting Keelon Russell to win the starting quarterback job for Week 1, believing he is first better in offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb's system. Grubb's will be key for the Crimson Tide to have a great season.

"The Tide has plenty of time to warm up in September, and the schedule sets up a 10-win goal, with road trips to Tennessee and LSU as the toughest away from Bryant-Denny Stadium," Marcello wrote.

"Adding 40 new players but missing out on NC State running back Hollywood Smothers gives us pause, but that schedule and Grubb's history of developing quarterbacks are enough this fall."

The main worry for Alabama should be how the roster shapes up after missing out on key targets to teams like Texas. The Crimson Tide added players, but maybe not the caliber of player needed to win the SEC championship, much less the CFP national title.

DeBoer and his staff will have to develop the talent they have on the roster. Maybe that will be good enough if Grubb has an amazing year with the offense.

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