As Alabama football reflects on its 2024 season following the Christmas break, there’s a sense of urgency and disappointment after a season that didn’t meet the usual expectations. While the team finished strong with a solid bowl performance, the season was filled with inconsistent play and missed opportunities, leaving the Crimson Tide wishing they could “return” a few things.
First and foremost, Alabama would likely love to return its struggles with turnovers. Despite having one of the most talented rosters in the country, costly mistakes, especially in key games, plagued them throughout the season. Quarterback Jalen Milroe, despite showing flashes of brilliance, also struggled with turnovers, something head coach Nick Saban would want to erase from the team’s memory.
Another area Alabama would likely return is its lack of explosive plays on offense. While the defense remained one of the nation’s best, the offense, at times, was stagnant. The Crimson Tide’s offensive line failed to open up consistent running lanes, and wide receivers had difficulty making big plays downfield. With talented players like Milroe and running back Jase McClellan, Alabama expected more offensive fireworks.
Finally, Alabama may want to return some of its missed opportunities in big games. Losses to Texas and an upset in the SEC Championship Game left them outside the College Football Playoff picture. While the team showed heart and resilience, those games exposed vulnerabilities in Alabama’s typically impenetrable defense and timely execution.
The focus now shifts to next season, where Alabama hopes to bounce back, address its weaknesses, and make the necessary adjustments to return to championship contention.