2024 Alabama Crimson Tide Guide to What's New in College Football

The first major game of the 2024 college football season resulted in the first upset. Yep, Georgia Tech over Florida State in Dublin seemed to be a great introduction if not opening salvo. There was also Nick Saban on College Gameday instead of storming around a sideline, and more players and coaches on new teams than anyone could really keep up with.

For example, as our own Joe Gaither noted in Sunday's Roll Call, there were three former Alabama players on the Florida State side (in addition to Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key being a former Saban assistant coach with the Crimson Tide). Malik Benson caught four passes for 39 yards, Roydell Williams took 12 carries for 42 yards and a touchdown while catching three passes for 31 yards, and Earl Little Jr. made one tackle.

Consequently, there's a lot for everyone to get accustomed to, and on numerous levels. It's especially true in Tuscaloosa, where fans still seem a little numb and don't know quite to expect from Kaleb DeBoer and the start to the post-Saban era. They're very aware, though, that the contrast from last yeat to this one is as great as the remodeled office of the head coach, which went from the wood, cozy setting with Saban to a much more modern look.