The University of Alabama football program has dominated over the last decade, winning National Championships in 2015, 2017, and 2020. The head coach behind these impressive victories was Nick Saban, who announced his retirement from coaching earlier this year. Alabama fans questioned the strength and ability of the 2024-25 football team as they entered a new season with a new head coach.
On Sept. 28, Alabama took on their rivals, the University of Georgia. Going into the game, Alabama was the underdog, ranked the number four team in the country, with Georgia ranked number two. Alabama dominated the game at halftime, leading 30-7, but Georgia came back and took a 34-33 lead with two minutes remaining. Alabama’s new head coach, Kalen DeBoer, decided to take a chance to win the game. Quarterback Jalen Milroe threw the ball to 17-year-old Ryan Williams, who scored the game-winning touchdown of 75 yards. Williams made headlines with his catch, but also because of his age. At 17 years old, Williams graduated high school early and turned to the University of Alabama to play football. What was supposed to be his senior year of high school turned into a stand-alone year of college.
Just one week after Alabama’s stunning victory, the team traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores. Alabama went into the game favored to win by a measurable amount. Vanderbilt has not beaten Alabama in over 40 years, so the outcome of the game appeared to be a predictable one. However, this year was different for the Commodores, as they beat Alabama 40-35 in what is considered the biggest victory in franchise history. Vanderbilt students and fans were ecstatic over the win as they danced onto the field, jumped up and down and tore down the gold post. They carried the goalpost over a few miles and dumped it into the Cumberland River.
From one outstanding win to a difficult loss, Alabama’s season is full of unpredictability, so the team will have to continue to fight as the season progresses. Their new coach has prepared the team to face adversity, which is all a part of their story. Alabama continues to strive as they push toward another National Championship.
Photo Credit: “This is Alabama Football” by Visit Tuscaloosa is licensed under (CC BY 2.0)
