Tide bounce back in 73-0 rout of ULM
Just what the doctor ordered. Now it’s time to carry the momentum forward.
By: Dave in Tuscaloosa
After a disappointing 2024 debut, Kalen DeBoer and the new look Crimson Tide’s opener in Tallahassee against a Florida State squad that was loaded with transfers after a horrible 2-10 campaign last season was supposed to be the first step towards a giant year for the Tide, one that would move the program towards getting back to the “Alabama Standard.” All of that came crashing down as the unranked and 13 ½ point underdog Seminoles dominated Alabama, handing the 8th ranked Crimson Tide a convincing 31-17 loss. In the words of ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, Bama was “average and lethargic” in its opener, and it marked the first time since 2001 that Alabama has lost an opening contest. Moreover, it was the 4th loss to an unranked team in the DeBoer era. In all those games, Bama was heavily favored to win, but failed to deliver.
It was a disappointing, almost disastrous start to DeBoer’s second year in T-Town. FSU quarterback Tommy Castellanos made headlines this summer, talking big about how Alabama would not be able to stop him. Despite Tide defenders stating that all disrespect would be dealt with, the Boston College transfer backed up his bold claim by running all over the Tide to the tune of 78 rushing yards and a touchdown, while throwing for an additional 152 yards through the air. The Tide defense had been stamped in the preseason as a crew that could be Bama’s best in years, yet they were dominated by the Noles. In all, FSU ran right through Kane Wommack’s Tide defense for 230 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Bama’s failure to attack on defense was glaringly obvious. Missing all-American candidate Tim Keenen on the line due to an ankle injury did not help, but Bama is supposed to be deep and capable on defense and the boys in the white jerseys simply did not get the job done.
In all, despite missing Ryan Williams, who remains in concussion protocol, 11 different receivers caught passes. Germie Bernard had another fine game (3/67/2 TDs) as did Miami transfer Isaiah Horton (3/51/1 TD). Freshman Lotzeir Brooks was also impressive, hauling in four passes for 58 yards. Nine different ball carriers caused damage on the ground, and the offensive line played well enough to open large holes for the backs, and even better, protected all three quarterbacks to the degree that the Warhawks failed to record a sack on the day.
The Tide offense scored on all eleven of their possessions, tallying 10 total touchdowns. Placekicker Conor Talty registered a 46-yard field goal as well. Bama dominated third downs, converting 9/12 attempts, all signs that perhaps our new offensive coordinator does know what he is doing after all.
Meanwhile, after getting pounded by the press and in fan circles for a lackluster effort last week against the Seminoles, Kane Womack’s Tide defense was a menacing wrecking crew against the Warhawks, shutting out the visitors and limiting them to a total of 148 yards. In addition, the Bama defense caused three turnovers and ensured that ULM never threatened to score. The Warhawks converted on just 6/14 third-down attempts and were overrun by an aggressive Tide defense that was in control throughout the contest.
For the second straight week, Bama took the opening kickoff and marched down the field to open up the scoring when Simpson found Bernard on a crossing route for a 29-yard score. The Simpson to Bernard combination would add a 16-yard touchdown strike, and Richard Young would run another in from six yards out to give the Tide a commanding 21-0 first-quarter lead. Simpson, Kaleb Edwards, and Isaiah Horton would add touchdowns in the second quarter to grow the score to 42-0 at halftime, and the rout was clearly on. Quarterbacks Mack and Russell would lead second-half touchdown drives, and the 73 points were the most scored by an Alabama team since the 1951 edition put up 89 against Delta State.
Saturday evening proved to be a breath of fresh air after such a disappointing opener. Yes, the win came against a Sun Belt squad that is rebuilding under second-year coach Bryant Vincent; however, the sheer energy witnessed on the field and in the stands proved that the 2025 Crimson Tide is not dead after the opening weekend.
Next week’s home game against the unbeaten Badgers of Wisconsin will be a challenge, one that must be met by the boys in Crimson. Yet the true measuring stick of what this squad will turn out to be occurs three weeks down the road when Bama visits the 4th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs. UGA is sporting a 33-game winning streak at home, which is the longest in SEC football history. With wins over the Badgers and the Bulldogs, two things that seemed far-fetched just a week ago, the Tide would put themselves back in a position to be thinking about challenging for the SEC championship as well as a playoff berth.
Saturday evening was a positive step forward. Whether or not the Tide can take a leap forward against the Badgers at noon next Saturday is yet to be seen.
