When USA TODAY Sports handed out postseason grades for all FBS programs, Alabama received one of the most scrutinized evaluations, and for good reason. Known for its consistent dominance in college football under head coach Nick Saban, expectations are always sky-high for the Crimson Tide. The 2024 season, however, presented some challenges that caused a shift in how the program was viewed compared to previous years.
In their analysis, USA TODAY Sports graded Alabama with a B+ for the season—a mark that reflects both high praise and acknowledgment of areas where the team fell short of perfection. At first glance, a B+ for a team like Alabama may seem like a disappointment, especially given the program’s reputation for winning national championships and competing for playoff berths every year. However, this grade speaks to the high standards set for the Crimson Tide, as well as the circumstances of the season.
The grade is reflective of the fact that, while Alabama didn’t make it to the College Football Playoff, it was still an incredibly strong team, finishing the season with a respectable record and competing at a high level. Alabama’s offense, while perhaps not as explosive as in past seasons, showed growth throughout the year, especially with the development of quarterback Jalen Milroe. Milroe, who had been somewhat of an enigma earlier in the season, showed flashes of brilliance by the end of the year. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs was key to the offense’s success, and the team’s overall offensive cohesion improved significantly. However, there were still moments of inconsistency in the passing game, which was something the coaching staff would likely want to address moving forward.
Alabama’s defense, as always, was a strong suit. The Crimson Tide remained one of the best defensive units in the country, ranking among the top teams in several key categories. The front seven was particularly dominant, with the defensive line creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks and the linebackers playing sideline-to-sideline. Players like Kool-Aid McKinstry in the secondary provided solid playmaking ability, while the overall defensive game plan was executed with the precision that fans have come to expect from a Saban-coached team. However, there were moments where the defense allowed key plays, particularly in high-pressure situations, which ultimately kept the team from achieving its championship aspirations.
Special teams also had its ups and downs. There were solid performances, but the Crimson Tide struggled at times in key moments, particularly in games where field position was crucial. While the kicking game wasn’t terrible, it wasn’t the consistent, reliable weapon that Alabama fans are accustomed to.
Perhaps the most significant critique in USA TODAY Sports’ evaluation was the team’s inability to consistently beat the top-tier competition. While Alabama cruised through much of the regular season, the losses to teams like Texas and LSU exposed some weaknesses that were magnified on the national stage. These losses ultimately kept the Tide from reaching the College Football Playoff, despite strong showings in the SEC Championship and the overall strength of their resume.
Despite these setbacks, Alabama’s performance in the postseason, including their bowl game, did little to detract from the overall positive evaluation. They maintained their reputation as a team that competes at an elite level and continues to be a powerhouse in college football. The B+ grade, while not perfect, shows that Alabama remains a top-tier program capable of bouncing back and contending for a national title in the near future.
Ultimately, the B+ grade encapsulates Alabama’s strong but imperfect season—one that reaffirmed its place among the elite while highlighting the areas where they’ll need to improve to reach their championship potential once again.
