After getting blown out and fully dominated by Oklahoma on Saturday night time in a 24-3 loss, it’s most likely over for the 2024 Alabama Crimson Tide relating to their School Soccer Playoff hopes.
The loss drops Alabama to 8-3 on the season, and that’s most likely going to be one too many losses to get into the 12-team area.
Particularly when two of these losses have come in opposition to a now 6-5 Oklahoma staff and a 6-5 Vanderbilt staff.
Alabama entered the day ranked No. 7 within the newest rankings.
This loss was particularly dangerous, as Alabama by no means gave the impression to be within the recreation and had no reply for Oklahoma’s protection.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe performed one in every of his worst video games of the season (and doubtless his faculty profession), finishing simply 11-of-26 passes for under 164 yards, zero touchdowns and three interceptions.
A type of interceptions was returned 49 yards for an Oklahoma landing within the third quarter to assist put the sport away.
Even worse, Alabama’s protection was shredded by the Sooners’ operating recreation, permitting a pair of 100-yard rushers. It was a whole, team-wide failure in a recreation it needed to have.
There shall be a variety of debate about power of convention and resumes relating to the playoff area, particularly because it pertains to groups like Indiana, however there is no such thing as a approach a three-loss staff (even within the SEC) can get into the sphere over any one-loss staff and even most two-loss groups. You may make an argument for a two-loss Alabama staff. You can’t make one for a three-loss Alabama staff. Particularly given the way in which this loss occurred.
Other than what it does to Alabama’s playoff possibilities, it additionally ends a particularly spectacular streak for this system.
That is the primary time Alabama has misplaced greater than two video games in a season because the 2010 season, snapping a streak of 13 consecutive seasons with two losses or much less.
General it has been a disappointing debut season for first-year coach Kalen DeBoer. Following an all-time nice like Nick Saban was by no means going to be straightforward, and even when Alabama finally ends up successful 10 video games this season that’s nonetheless going to be seen as a failure given the expectations this system carries.
