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Which ReliaQuest Bowl performances previewed Alabama football 2025 season?
- Story byThe Tuscaloosa News
- Which ReliaQuest Bowl performances previewed Alabama football 2025 season?
Kalen DeBoer wants Alabama football to remember its 19-13 loss to Michigan in the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl .
In the final game of DeBoer's first season, the Crimson Tide couldn't overcome a 16-point first-quarter deficit and failed to reach 10 wins for the first time since 2007.
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"(I) want the guys that obviously are going to be coming back to remember this feeling, remember some of the feelings throughout the year, but we've got to keep building for the team to move forward," DeBoer said.
As Alabama turns its focus to 2025, to its Aug. 30 season opener against Florida State, here are five individual performances from the ReliaQuest Bowl that could be a preview of what the Crimson Tide looks like next season.
Does Alabama football have another right tackle position battle?
Alabama does not seem to have a firm answer at right tackle heading into 2025.
The Crimson Tide's starter was Elijah Pritchett for the majority of 2024, a position battle he won and held onto from Week 3 against Wisconsin until the Mercer game. In Alabama's 28-14 win against Auburn Nov. 30, Pritchett and Wilkin Formby basically split each series, something that continued into the bowl game.
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Spring may bring another position battle between Pritchett and Formby for a starting spot on the right side of an offensive line that had its share of struggles in 2024.
Did Alabama find its answer for defensive line production in James Smith ?
For a defensive line that struggled to generate pressure all season, James Smith put on a clinic for Alabama against Michigan.
Smith recorded four tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack: a tackle of Michigan quarterback Davis Warren for a 13-yard loss that was eliminated by a 15-yard personal foul penalty.
Overall, Alabama's defensive line accounted for both sacks and six of the team's eight tackles for loss, a welcome sign ahead of 2025.
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Will Zavier Mincey remain an Alabama defensive starter?
Sliding in for the injured Malachi Moore , freshman Zavier Mincey, a former five-star cornerback, found himself in the middle of the action, recording seven tackles with the team's only pass breakup.
With the expected return of Keon Sabb , it's unclear where Mincey would land in Alabama's defensive backfield, whether it's as a traditional safety or at Husky, which is looking for its answer after the departure of DeVonta Smith . But it seems clear he will have a significant role to play next season.
Where was the Alabama run game?
Dec 31, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jam Miller (26) rushes with the ball against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Yes, Alabama faced one of the more dominant run defenses in the country, but one that was short-staffed with multiple opt-outs.
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But the Crimson Tide can't be satisfied from the output of Jam Miller , who had 27 rushing yards on 10 carries, a continuation of his streak of five straight games where he averaged fewer than four yards a carry and didn't score a touchdown.
Richard Young didn't have much to do either, recording six yards on two carries. Who was Alabama's leading rusher against Michigan? Rico Scott, who had one carry for 28 yards.
With the expected loss of Jalen Milroe to the NFL, the use and production of the Alabama run game will be key with a new quarterback behind center.
Is Rico Scott Alabama's No. 3 wide receiver?
Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams remained the key targets in what proved to be an underwhelming Alabama pass game against the Wolverines, combining for 15 of the team's 31 targets.
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Right behind Bernard and Williams? Scott, who brought in only one of his five targets for nine yards.
The production was not there. But that third Alabama wide receiver saw his share of chances. No other receiver had a target in the bowl.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: ReliaQuest Bowl performances preview Alabama football 2025 season
