On the surface, the football programs of Alabama and Washington may appear to be diametrically opposed to each other.
The SEC and the league formerly known as the PAC-12 present extremely different brands and identities, despite the fact that both programs are products of their respective conferences.
The West Coast has introduced a more deft touch to college football, while the SEC has always been the pinnacle of toughness and supremacy in the trenches.
Even with Coach Kalen DeBoer’s lack of southern roots and the reputation of West Coast football, Alabama football should continue to be a physically aggressive program in 2024.
Despite his experience with explosive passing schemes, DeBoer employs more smashmouth tendencies than is often acknowledged.
Talk has often focused on Washington’s offensive line, which won the 2023 Joe Moore Award. Dillon Johnson, the Huskies’ leading rusher, finished with just under 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground.
Before moving to Seattle, Johnson, a strong back with SEC ties, ran for Mike Leach at Mississippi State for over 2,000 yards in his career.
Furthermore, Alabama’s roster is set up to play power football, at least in part. It is a given that spread ideas will be employed offensively, and Bama must also be able to stop the spread.
But it’s the tackle boxes that make this roster so strong.
With Washington transfer center Parker Brailsford back and guards Tyler Booker and Jaeden Roberts returning, the Tide should field one of the strongest interior offensive lines in the country.
Additionally, Alabama’s tight end group—which is coached by Robbie Ouzts and CJ Dippre, two seniors—is designed to run the football.
There is a strong group of running backs, led by sophomore Justice Haynes and junior Jam Miller, who should be able to produce impressive stats.
On the opposite side of the ball, Alabama should have a strong defensive lineman class and an outstanding linebacker duo in Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson.
In the SEC, physicality will always prevail, even though Coach DeBoer’s Alabama football team will be starting a new chapter. In 2024, Alabama ought to be prepared to compete.
