Gridiron Shake-Up: The Unpredictable Season of 2024

The 2024 college football season has been full of surprises, with the rankings in constant flux. Established teams like Alabama, Ohio State, and Ole Miss have maintained their dominance with strong defenses and efficient offenses, while new contenders from Indiana, Oregon, and Miami—who remain undefeated—are shaking things up and eyeing playoff spots. LSU, too, continues to impress, with its defense anchoring a solid SEC run.

Alabama, traditionally a powerhouse, has faced its share of challenges this season. They opened strong with a 68-0 win against West Kentucky but stumbled against Vanderbilt. With the legendary Coach Nick Saban retired, a new era has dawned under Kalen DeBoer from Washington, who has introduced a more player-centered approach compared to Saban's rigorous, student-athlete-focused style. Saban was known for strict rules, like arriving 10 minutes early to meetings and avoiding partying during the season. In contrast, DeBoer trusts his players to perform well on the field, a shift that Alabama fans are still adjusting to. For Alabama to secure a playoff spot, they’ll need to navigate this cultural transition and secure every win down the stretch. But Bama fans remain unfazed; in Tuscaloosa, the spirit is unwavering, and support is strong.

One of the season’s highlights was the Alabama-Georgia game on September 28, which I traveled to Tuscaloosa to attend. After a 5 a.m. flight from BWI with a layover in Charlotte—right in the path of Hurricane Helen—our connecting flight to Birmingham was nearly canceled. The airport was filled with fans in Bama gear, all eager to get to the game. I even joked about renting a van to drive down to Charlotte with fellow fans, united by our shared dedication. Fortunately, the airline rerouted us through Tennessee and Kentucky, delaying us by three hours, but we finally boarded amid a chorus of fans singing Dixieland Delight. The game itself was unforgettable; Bama crushed Georgia, with 17-year-old wide receiver Ryan Williams scoring a spectacular 75-yard touchdown catch and run. Unfortunately, after this high, Alabama was upset by Vanderbilt, an unexpected loss given Vandy's earlier defeat by Georgia State. However, recent games have shown signs of defensive improvement, and a homecoming win against Mizzou has helped regain some momentum. As they prepare to face LSU in Baton Rouge, a win could shift Alabama back into the playoff picture.

Elsewhere, Indiana’s Hoosiers have taken fans by surprise, holding an undefeated record despite missing their starting quarterback in a key win against Washington. Teams like Texas A&M and Notre Dame have seen improvements as well, with strong ground games and solid defenses driving their success.

Texas A&M’s victory over LSU highlighted their robust running game, but their recent loss to South Carolina exposed weaknesses in their offense and consistency, especially with turnovers. South Carolina’s opportunistic defense proved crucial in their victory, effectively pressuring A&M’s offense into errors.

As for standout players, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has emerged as a potential Heisman contender, with impressive rushing stats that have propelled Boise State’s season. BYU is quietly climbing the rankings with an undefeated season, largely thanks to quarterback Jake Retzlaf’s consistency, which keeps them in the playoff conversation. Down in the deep South, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe is also a Heisman candidate, with a season marked by resilience, as seen in the Bama-Tennessee game where he withstood relentless pressure from the Vols’ defense. On the same team, 17-year-old wide receiver Ryan Williams continues to capture attention with his breakout performances.

As the season nears its conclusion, high-profile matchups and conference championships are on the horizon. The playoff picture remains wide open, promising more excitement, potential upsets, and defining moments that will shape the final playoff lineup.