For the first time since 2006, the Alabama Crimson Tide football program has someone other than the legendary Nick Saban on the sideline calling the shots. Saturday was the first time we got to visualize it as Saban spent the afternoon in a box suite while new head coach Kalen DeBoer and his team took the field for the annual A-Day spring game. In fact, after the game Saban spoke briefly with the team before telling reporters it was the first time he had spoke to them since he retired back in January.
Over 72,000 fans came out to Bryant-Denny Stadium to witness the changing of the guard, and there were a lot of different things to take away. DeBoer and his staff have done a great job of adopting some traditions while also bringing their new flavor.
The offense was the biggest take away from the game, but who were the biggest winners and loses of the day?
Winner: Nick Sheridan's offense
Syndication: Tuscaloosa News
The Washington Huskies offense was one of the best in the country a season ago under the guidance of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who initially made the move to Tuscaloosa but quickly left to go be an OC for the Seattle Seahawks instead. Nick Sheridan was the next man up, and he looked the part in his first public scrimmage on Saturday. The running backs had plenty of room, Milroe’s throwing motion looks much improved and the receivers showed stark improvement compared to last season. With the talent and resources available to the Crimson Tide, it’ll be a blast to see what Sheridan can do this fall.
Loser: All of the offensive players who portaled out
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When Nick Saban retired there was always going to be roster turnover, but Alabama did a pretty good job of minimizing the damage. Some of those who left even found the grass was not greener and have already decided to come back and play for DeBoer. Today’s spring game was further confirmation that the Alabama offense is going to be one of the best in the country next season and Tuscaloosa will still be a place where records are broken and championships are won.
Winner: Germie Bernard
Syndication: Tuscaloosa News
When DeBoer announced his decision to join the Crimson Tide, it wasn’t long before wide receiver Germie Bernard was with him. The former four-star recruit didn’t see a ton of playing time in stints with the Michigan State Spartans and Washington Huskies. He’s still getting settled into the offense, but Bernard had two receptions for 88 yards and looks very capable of being an immediate starter.
Loser: Fans complaining about grass
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It was not a good day on social media for the Alabama maintenance crew as the grass field went viral for all the wrong reasons. The grass looked brown in spots and just wasn’t up to the Alabama standard. I’m sure Greg Byrne won’t allow that to happen again. Then again, it’s the spring game. The team is knocking off some of the rust, the field should get that opportunity too.
Winner: Snapping the football
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It appears as if the snapping woes from a season ago are a thing of the past now much to the delight of the Alabama faithful. All of the snapping and center miscues are what ultimately ended the Tide’s season in 2024 as they lost in the Rose Bowl off a bad snap in OT. In general though, I do believe we will see a much improved Alabama offensive line from last year.
Loser: Auburn fans
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For years, Auburn fans have been holding onto the hope that Nick Saban’s retirement would bring the Crimson Tide football program back down to earth. Unfortunately for them, Alabama immediately brought in a national champion-caliber coach, and so far, he is doing all the right things in Tuscaloosa. The offense looked really great on Saturday, the recruiting process is coming together and the staff is one of the best in the country. Sorry Auburn fans, your run as the second best program in the state of Alabama will continue for the foreseeable future, and probably forever.
