Alabama’s season has hit a crossroads after consecutive losses to Georgia and Tennessee dropped the Tide from 5-0 to 5-2. To revive its playoff hopes, Alabama needs key players back, must regain control of possession, and needs quarterback Keelon Russell to stop turning the ball over.

By the Numbers
  • Alabama started the season 5-0 and is now 5-2.
  • The Tide had 54 rushing yards and 147 passing yards against Tennessee.
  • Alabama had the time-of-possession edge in its first 5 games and won all 5; it lost that battle and the game in each of its past 2.
  • Russell was responsible for 4 turnovers over the past 2 games: 3 against Tennessee and 1 against Georgia.
  • Five key players are dealing with injuries: Ryan Coleman-Williams, Racin Delgatty, Zabien Brown, EJ Crowell and Terrance Green.
Yes, But

Injuries have weakened Alabama, but they don’t excuse its poor performance in Knoxville. The Tide can still win without several key players, but sustaining a playoff push will be much harder if they remain out.

State of Play
  • No. 13 Alabama hosts Texas A&M on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
  • Coleman-Williams has been ruled out; the availability of other injured players remains uncertain.
  • Alabama is 0-2 when it loses the time-of-possession battle this season.
What's Next

Saturday’s game against Texas A&M is an immediate test of whether Alabama can reverse its slide. Getting healthier, controlling the clock and protecting the ball are essential if the Tide hope to stay relevant in November and keep their playoff chances alive.

Bottom Line

Alabama’s path back is straightforward, but execution is urgent: the Tide must limit turnovers and dictate possession while key players recover. Another loss would deepen the concern that this season is slipping away.