Alabama, once mighty Alabama, was picked only sixth in the preseason SEC poll. Only three lonely souls out of 164 picked the Crimson Tide to win the conference.
And to be clear, DeBoer is not completely vindicated yet. But if vindication is coming, it’s because of two key things that have been revealed in the first five games.
First: Russell. The sophomore, a five-star recruit two years ago, won the starting job this summer and has lifted the potential of the entire offense. He can make big plays running or throwing, and at key times. Russell broke Mississippi State’s spirits with several long third-down completions, just as impressive as his three touchdown passes and one touchdown run.
“Man, those are the best, no better feeling than when Keelon throws a bomb on third-and-long and it’s caught,” Delgatty said. “We have faith that we just have to give him time, that he’ll make plays.”
