Alabama football's preseason hype has reached a new low, with the team ranked only 15th by Athlon. This is a stark contrast to the past, when Alabama was a dominant force in college football, intimidating opponents even in early July. The author, Joseph Goodman, reflects on the changing landscape of Alabama football, questioning its identity after a humiliating loss to Indiana. He argues that the team needs to find a backbone and toughen up, especially under the leadership of coach Kalen DeBoer, who he compares to a 'bowl of cold ketchup soup'. Goodman highlights the team's soft performance, including a lack of pride and mettle, and questions the culture of collecting paychecks rather than striving for excellence. He speculates that the team's current state may be a result of the transfer portal and pay-for-play era, making preseason rankings unreliable. Goodman also discusses the rise of LSU and Texas, and the potential for Auburn to surpass Alabama. He concludes by calling for a change in the team's attitude and performance, or else the athletics director, Greg Byrne, should be held accountable. This article provides a critical and opinionated analysis of Alabama football's current state, offering insights into the team's culture and potential future developments.
