"I'm not happy": Stephen A. Smith goes off on Kalen DeBoer while previewing LSU-Alabama clash
In the week when Alabama will play a definitive game with LSU, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith left no doubt on how he feels about the Tide.
On a night when Alabama got good news regarding its playoff standing, Smith didn't see much good news to discuss.
"I'm not happy with DeBoer at all," Smith said. "You lost to Vanderbilt ... They could make the playoffs, but you're not making the playoffs if you're a 3-loss team. Both them and LSU are 2-loss teams. So, this is basically like a playoff this weekend. I would say 'Roll Tide' ... if Nick Saban was there, but with this Kalen DeBoer, I'm not sold."
Smith has some valid points. The Tide have struggled in Kalen DeBoer's first season, losing to Vanderbilt and Tennessee, and nearly turning a 28-0 advantage over Georgia into another loss.
If the Tide do indeed lose a third regular season game, it would be the first time Alabama has done so since 2010. That said, this is a season with a little room for mistakes.
In the old four-team playoff, Alabama's season would already be meaningless due to a pair of conference losses. But, with a 12-team CFP field upcoming, Alabama not only has a chance to make the playoff, but they're likely to do so.
The Tide are No. 11 in the first CFP rankings and ESPN's FPI gives them a 61.0% chance of making the playoff.
That said, Alabama's future is very much riding on the LSU game. The 6-2 Tigers are No. 15 in the initial Playoff rankings, which puts them a few spots behind the back of the playoff field.
They have just a 20.6% chance at the playoff, per the FPI statistics. Alabama is currently a 2.5-point favorite going into LSU for Saturday's game.
Alabama's 2024 season
The resignation of Nick Saban after last season began a new era of Alabama football. Kalen DeBoer's hiring moved the direction of the program.
Alabama has traditionally relied on smash-mouth football and defense, while DeBoer's innovative offense is pass-heavy and from the West Coast.
There have been many hiccups. Last week's 34-0 win over Missouri was Alabama's first conference win by more than a touchdown.
With a 3-2 start in league play, not only did DeBoer's Tide lose twice, but they seemed a bit lucky to outlast Georgia, who rallied from a 28-0 deficit to lead Alabama late before falling. Likewise, South Carolina had the ball in the final minutes with a chance to win.
Alabama at 6-2 is currently 11th in the SEC in total defensive yardage. While the scoring numbers (18.6 points per game allowed) are consistent with prior Alabama teams, the yardage is not. Alabama was third and second in the SEC in Saban's last two seasons in SEC yardage allowed.
Do you think Smith is right about DeBoer? Will the Tide reach the playoff? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!