Kalen DeBoer's first Alabama team suffered through some growing pains and ultimately had a disappointing season overall. The Tide finished 9-4, failing to win 10 games for the first time since 2007. As a result, Alabama missed the College Football Playoff despite the format being expanded to 12 teams. The fact that Alabama was the "first team out" did not provide solace to fans.
Year two of the DeBoer era brings the customary high expectations that come with the territory when you're the head coach at Alabama. It appears on paper that DeBoer has the roster and the coaching staff to make good on those expectations.