Alabama knocked out of top 10 for the first time in 8 years

For the first time since 2015, the Alabama Crimson Tide are not ranked in the AP Poll’s top 10.

Starting off the 2023-24 season as the No. 4 team, the Crimson Tide looked good as usual. They cruised to a 56-7 win over MTSU. It was in week 2, however, that tragedy would strike.

Trouble With Texas

The first big bump in the road came when No. 11 Texas Longhorns went into Alabama and beat the Crimson Tide, 34-24.

At the time, quarterback Jalen Milroe said the team was going to learn from the loss and turn things around.

Despite having a total of 255 yards and 2 touchdowns, Milroe also threw two interceptions. One of which was in the fourth quarter and set up the Longhorns’ offense for an easy touchdown on the next drive.

The Crimson Tide were able to redeem themselves against the University of South Florida with a 17-3 victory. However, it wasn’t considered enough in the eyes of the AP Poll to maintain their ranking. With Florida’s upset against Tennessee and other top 25 teams handling their opponents fairly easily, the Crimson Tide were demoted from No. 10 to No. 13.

Bama wins!#RollTide pic.twitter.com/BqPrJBayQq

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) September 16, 2023

Nick Saban said penalties have had a major role in the team’s struggles to this point.

Quarterback Qualm

Prior to the game with USF, the Crimson Tide announced Tyler Buchner would replace Milroe as the starter. Throughout the game, they switched between Buchner and Ty Simpson. The two combined for only 107 yards total. Neither of them threw a touchdown.

The situation now leaves the Crimson Tide with lots of thinking to do at the quarterback position.

Up Next

Alabama has a chance to prove themselves again this weekend when they face off against the No. 15 and undefeated Ole Miss Rebels.

Were the first two games just flukes on Alabama’s part? Or is it a new era for teams to show that they are top 10 material?