The circled week on the calendar has finally arrived. Since the SEC announced the dates of this season’s schedule last December, the countdown has been on for this week’s game between No. 4 Alabama and No. 2 Georgia. We’ll have all week to discuss the upcoming marquee matchup in Bryant-Denny Stadium. But before the Crimson Tide begins preparations for the Bulldogs, it’s time to take one last look in the mirror.

It’s been smooth sailing for Kalen Deboer, as Alabama rolled to blowout wins over Western Kentucky (63-0), South Florida (42-16) and Wisconsin (42-10) during his first three games at the helm. Heading into this weekend, the Crimson Tide ranked in the top 25 in total offense (No. 25, 466.7 yards per game), scoring offense (No. 7, 49 points per game), total defense (No. 19, 248 yards per game) and scoring defense (tied for No. 12, 8.7 points per game).

Those are the stats of a playoff-caliber team, especially in this year’s expanded field. But will DeBoer and company be able to navigate the harsher waters that lie ahead in Alabama’s SEC slate?

In this week’s column, I'll grade each of the Tide’s position groups before the team moves into the meat of its schedule. With that said, pull out your red pen, pour yourself a drink and let’s dive in.

Ya’ll wanna pick the time when the refs swing the game for Auburn? I say 5:44 left in the 4th quarter. 🌝

Watching the N. C. State Clemson Game and I can safely say that N.C.State is a bad football team.

Have to say Riola Nebraskas QB does a good job of going thru his checkdowns and he is calm in the pocket

With No. 4 Alabama off this weekend, Crimson Tide fans will have some time to tune into other games across the nation. Several of those will include familiar faces, as Alabama saw 30 players from last year’s team join new programs through the transfer portal.

Here’s a look at how the Tide’s transfers have done so far this season and whether their departure from the program has been successful .

LOL! That USC team that showed flashes of being physical against LSU is getting pushed around on both sides of the ball by the Wolverines.

I assume whenever he’s around a campus for his new job, people will want him to speak to their team and such. I heard he took some swings. Anybody see any video of that? I’d like to see that. Check out those nikes. It looks like he’s not wearing socks and I can’t believe that.
Login to view embedded media

Login to view embedded media
Fun hypothetical from the New Wave pod. What would be y'alls dream concert at BDS?

This is gold.
Login to view embedded media

Sorry to be late, but have had a rough week. Some will understand. It is time for week four. Last week one person got eleven games right, thank you Vandy. Obviously that was me. Here is the lineup for week Four and as always the tie breaker is game 12 and you pick the score and leading rusher for the winning team.

1. Utah at Oklahoma State

2. Miami, Fla v. South Florida

3. USCw at Michigan

4. N.C. State at Clemson

5. Georgia Tech at Louisville

6. Ohio at Kentucky

7. UCLA at LSU

8. Akron at South Carolina

9. Florida at Mississippi State (Yes someone must Win)

10. Arkansas at Auburn

11. Vanderbilt at Missouri

12. Tennessee at Oklahoma (Pick the Score, the leading Rusher for the winning team and his yardage)

It’s going to be a good day… We are going to have to hit Carson Beck often….

The anticipation for next week’s top-five matchup is already reaching its boiling point, as No. 4 Alabama prepares to take on No. 2 Georgia in arguably college football’s biggest game of the year. As both team’s head into open dates on their schedules this weekend, here a few thoughts heading into next week’s marquee matchup.

Class of 2026 DB commit Dorian Barney will be in action with Carrollton on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. tonight. Carrollton will face Birmingham Parker in a marquee matchup. Second time Barney and Carrollton have been featured on ESPN this season!

Recent interview with Barney: https://alabama.rivals.com/news/alabama-cb-pledge-talks-commitment-previews-visit-for-home-opener

Login to view embedded media
Top players on Parker:
Na’eem Offord
Vodney Cleveland

Other top players on Carrollton:
Zykie Helton
Zelus Hicks
Jonaz Walton
Shamar Arnoux
Julian Lewis

Elsewhere, Alabama WRs coach JaMarcus Shephard will be in New Jersey tonight to watch Lotzeir Books. Brooks has had an outstanding start to his senior season with Millville and looks to be a gem of a commit for the Crimson Tide (200+ yards last week)

Watch Books in action tonight here (5 p.m. kickoff): Login to view embedded media
Interview with Brooks' coach: https://alabama.rivals.com/news/coach-s-corner-alabama-wr-commit-ready-to-chase-another-state-title

Login to view embedded media

Shephard: Login to view embedded media
Linguist: Login to view embedded media

I thought this was kind of interesting/funny.

Login to view embedded media

TUSCALOOSA, Ala — At times it’s looked too easy for Ryan Williams. In his first three games, the freshman receiver leads Alabama with 10 receptions for 285 yards and four touchdowns. Not bad for a 17-year-old, who reclassified to enter college a year early.

It might seem effortless for Alabama’s new star attraction, who aptly goes by the nickname “Hollywood.” However, Williams admits his instant rise to fame at the next level involved a few eye-opening moments behind the scenes.

For example, there’s the time senior linebacker Justin Jefferson introduced him to the physicality of college football during Alabama’s fall camp last month.

“I had a shallow coming across, and I tried to like juke, and he just…” Williams recalled with a smile. “I felt it all over. He hit me so hard I felt it in my ribs. It just vibrated my entire body.”

All three players spoke to reporters after practice Friday.

Ryan Williams:

Login to view embedded media
Jaylen Mbakwe

Login to view embedded media
Josh Cuevas

Login to view embedded media

Login to view embedded media
Here are Alabama's official weekday SEC game dates. Some of the weekday games were listed as either Tuesday or Wednesday games when the conference schedule was initially released.

2027 five-star QB Elijah Haven will be in town.