The "Alabama Standard" has been lowered for good following Nick Saban's retirement from the program in January 2024. The proof was clear as day during the Crimson Tide's embarrassing 31-17 loss to the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday.
Whereas Alabama was once known as an unrelenting defense that not only forced turnovers, but put up points, they're now known as a team you can run all over. That's certainly what FSU quarterback Tommy Castellanos and the Noles' RB room did at The Doak, accumulating 230 yards on the ground.
The Tuscaloosa News' Chase Goodbread doesn't expect the Crimson Tide defense to magically turn things around, considering the caliber of opponent Alabama was facing.