Matter of Expectations

For many reams, a nine win versus three loss regular season would be amazing. Being able to compete in a bowl against another traditional powerhouse program would be fantastic. For the Alabama team, this season is a disappointment, and will only be marginally better if the Tide defeats Michigan which is also having a substandard year, considering 2024 started with a national championship. If the SEC giant drops the game to the Wolverines, look for pressure to mount to fire the coach. There is no "grace period" in Tuscaloosa, and not being in the playoff for the title is considered a lousy outcome. Many teams would consider a 9 and 4 season an accomplishment, but for the program Bear Bryant built and Saban sanctified, this would be a woeful debut by a coach who will not be there shortly.