In Alabama’s narrow 27-25 win over South Carolina, one thing became clear: the days of anxiety-free blowouts under Nick Saban are over.
Saban, who brought six national championships to Alabama, also gifted fans with seasons full of predictable wins. However, that era has ended under head coach Kalen DeBoer, leaving fans unaccustomed to close finishes and uncertainty.
Clemson’s head coach, Dabo Swinney, once remarked:
“It’s Alabama and the rest of y’all.” Now, Alabama finds itself among the pack of “good teams,” no longer immune to upsets or comfortable victories.
As a result, even games where Alabama is favored heavily are no longer sure things. Saban’s ability to keep the pressure on opponents, even with significant leads, has been unmatched. His famous sideline meltdowns, even when leading by large margins, reflected his relentless pursuit of excellence—a trait that elevated Alabama to unprecedented heights.
Unlike Saban’s teams, DeBoer’s squad seems to play down to the opponent’s level and struggles to maintain leads. In Saturday’s game, Alabama squandered a 14-0 lead, allowing South Carolina back into the contest before halftime.
“Another game down to the wire. We’re kinda getting accustomed to those,” DeBoer admitted post-game.
This lack of a killer instinct echoes challenges DeBoer faced at Washington, where his team won several close games against weaker opponents. Still, it’s only DeBoer’s third season at a major program, and fans are urged to temper their expectations. Yet, the uneasy reality is that no wins—apart from a matchup with Mercer—are guaranteed this season. Fans who once found comfort in blowouts must now brace for suspenseful Saturdays, a stark shift from the predictability of the Saban era.
Alabama’s unpredictable season could end with a College Football Playoff spot—or just as likely, an eight or nine-win season capped by a minor bowl game. As fans adjust to this new normal, one thing is certain: the luxury of easy wins is gone.
