The Alabama Crimson Tide football team, under head coach Nick Saban, has been a perennial powerhouse in college football, consistently finishing among the top teams in the country. As of January 2025, Alabama’s final placement in the US LBM Coaches Poll represents yet another chapter in its storied football history. This article will explore Alabama’s position in the final Coaches Poll, analyzing the factors that contributed to their ranking and discussing the broader context of college football in the 2024 season.
Background on the Coaches Poll
The US LBM Coaches Poll is one of the most respected rankings in college football, determined by a panel of 64 coaches from across the country. These coaches vote on the top 25 teams, with the highest-ranked team receiving 1 point, the second-highest receiving 2 points, and so on through the 25th-ranked team. The final rankings reflect the collective judgment of the coaching community about which teams performed best throughout the season, considering factors such as win-loss records, strength of schedule, and overall team performance.
Alabama’s 2024 Football Season
Alabama’s 2024 season was marked by a mixture of highs and lows, as they faced both stiff competition and the usual challenges that come with playing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). After a somewhat turbulent 2023 campaign, expectations were high for a bounce-back year under Saban. Alabama entered the 2024 season ranked within the top 10, and many analysts expected them to challenge for the SEC title and a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
However, the season unfolded with a few unexpected hurdles. The team was initially hampered by inconsistencies at quarterback and some key injuries, which led to early struggles. Despite these challenges, Alabama’s defense remained one of the strongest units in the country, helping them stay competitive in many of their games. By the end of the regular season, Alabama had earned an 11-2 record, with a narrow loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game being a significant factor in their final ranking.
Alabama’s Position in the Final Coaches Poll
In the final US LBM Coaches Poll for the 2024 season, Alabama finished ranked #5. This placement was a reflection of their strong season, despite the occasional setbacks that prevented them from securing a spot in the CFP. The Crimson Tide’s performance in key matchups and their dominant victories over lower-ranked opponents helped maintain their position near the top of the rankings.
While Alabama’s hopes for a national championship were dashed after their loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship, their overall body of work throughout the season was enough to keep them firmly in the top five. Their high ranking was also bolstered by impressive individual performances, particularly on defense, where the Crimson Tide boasted some of the best players in the country. The secondary, led by cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, and the defensive line, featuring powerful pass rushers, were standout units for the team.
Key Wins and Losses
Alabama’s 2024 season featured a number of impressive wins that helped solidify their place in the Coaches Poll. Among these were victories over traditional rivals such as LSU and Auburn, both of which were crucial in securing their spot in the top 5. Alabama also showed resilience in close wins against teams like Ole Miss and Texas A&M, demonstrating their ability to come through in tight situations.
However, the two key losses on Alabama’s record—against Texas early in the season and, more critically, against Georgia in the SEC Championship—kept them from reaching their ultimate goal of making the CFP. The loss to Texas, while not catastrophic, was a reminder of how difficult it is for even the most talented teams to maintain consistency throughout a long season. The defeat to Georgia, on the other hand, was a crushing blow, as the Crimson Tide were outmatched in almost every facet of the game. This loss, combined with other factors like the strength of teams in other conferences, ultimately kept Alabama from a playoff berth.
Alabama’s Defense and Coaching
One of the defining characteristics of Alabama’s 2024 season was their elite defense. Saban has long been known for his emphasis on defense, and the 2024 squad was no exception. The defensive unit was consistently one of the best in the country, ranked in the top 5 for both total defense and scoring defense. With a number of standout players, including linebacker Dallas Turner and defensive lineman Jaheim Oatis, Alabama’s defense stymied many of their opponents.
Nick Saban’s coaching was also a major factor in Alabama’s successful season. As one of the most accomplished coaches in college football history, Saban continued to prove that his ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of the game kept Alabama at the top of the college football world. Even with a new starting quarterback and some growing pains in the early part of the season, Saban managed to get the most out of his players, helping them stay competitive in the SEC.
National Landscape of College Football in 2024
The 2024 college football season was characterized by fierce competition at the top. Teams like Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, and Florida State were also vying for national supremacy, with Georgia ultimately claiming the top spot in the final Coaches Poll. The SEC, once again, proved to be the most competitive conference in the country, with Alabama, Georgia, and LSU all being ranked in the top 10 at season’s end. Alabama’s loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game underscored the high level of competition within the conference, as Georgia ultimately secured a spot in the CFP and, by many accounts, was one of the most dominant teams of the season.
Additionally, the rise of other programs like Florida State and Oregon highlighted the ever-expanding talent pool in college football. The landscape of the sport has become more unpredictable in recent years, with new contenders emerging alongside traditional powerhouses. While Alabama has maintained its place among the elite, the competition continues to grow stronger, making it more difficult for any one team to dominate as they once did.
Looking Ahead
Alabama’s 2024 season, while falling short of their ultimate goals, was still a successful campaign. Finishing #5 in the final Coaches Poll is a testament to the Crimson Tide’s ability to stay competitive even in a year with some challenges. With a strong recruiting class incoming and several key players returning, Alabama is poised to be a contender once again in 2025.
Nick Saban, ever the perfectionist, will undoubtedly use the lessons learned from the 2024 season to further refine his team for the future. While Alabama’s focus is always on winning national championships, the team’s ability to overcome adversity and remain a top contender in one of the most competitive conferences in college football speaks volumes about the state of the program.
In conclusion, Alabama finished the 2024 season ranked #5 in the final US LBM Coaches Poll, a respectable position given the challenges they faced throughout the year. While they fell short of their ultimate goal of competing in the College Football Playoff, their strong performance in the regular season, particularly on defense, helped them secure a top-five finish. As always, Alabama will be a force to reckon with in future seasons, and the 2024 campaign only adds to the rich legacy of one of college football’s most successful programs.
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