Across the first three games of the 2024 season, what are some thoughts you might have about Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide based on what you have seen so far?
After three weeks, the Crimson Tide will enter their bye week undefeated at 3-0 overall coming off what was likely their most impressive win just this past Saturday when they defeated the Wisconsin Badgers on the road, 42-10. That result combined with a pair of home wins over Western Kentucky and South Florida by scores of 63-0 and 42-16, respectively, to compose Alabama’s resume for the year so far.
So, which players have impressed you most? Are there still areas of concern for the Crimson Tide going into Week 5?
Let’s take a look at answering those questions as we provide five takeaways from Alabama’s first three games of the 2024 season.
1. Ryan Williams is as good as advertised
The highest-rated recruit in Alabama’s 2024 class, Williams came to Tuscaloosa as a five-star wide receiver, and was likely expected to be a prominent contributor as a true freshman. Early on, the freshman has simply been a star for the Alabama offense across three games as well, leading the Crimson Tide offense with 10 receptions for 285 yards and four touchdowns, as well as averaging 28.5 YPC.
2. Multiple transfers have made an impact
While the program did lose a significant amount of talent through the transfer portal, Alabama also landed numerous players this past offseason, and many of those names are making big impacts through three weeks. A few examples of this are Germie Bernard, Keon Sabb, LT Overton, Domani Jackson, and Graham Nicholson, among others, each of which have been key contributors for the Crimson Tide so far.
3. Jalen Milroe is an early-season Heisman contender
The leader of Alabama’s offense, quarterback Jalen Milroe has been nothing short of special over the seasons first three weeks, completing 67.3% of passes for 590 yards with an 8:0 TD:INT ratio. Having also rushed for 156 yards and six touchdowns on 36 attempts, Milroe has fully emerged as a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender, and is likely among the current favorites.
4. Offensive line depth is a concern
While the Alabama offensive line has played only one game so far this season at full strength, it’s clear already that the lack of experienced depth along the Crimson Tide front is a concern. Yes, the likes of Proctor, Booker, Brailsford, and Roberts are set at their positions, as well as likely Elijah Pritchett at right tackle, but aside from those five, there isn’t much proven experience behind them.
5. Running game is a big strength
Lastly, the Crimson Tide’s running game has been a massive strength for the program through the first three weeks of the season, and they have shown that if they need to rely on the run in order to move the ball, then they can. Both of Jam Miller and Justice Haynes are currently averaging over 8+ YPC through three games, while Milroe has rushed for six of Alabama’s 13 touchdowns on the ground so far this year.
This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: 5 takeaways from Alabama’s first three games of the 2024 season
