Alabama Returns as 5-0 Title Contender Behind Keelon Russell
Updated
Updated · SB Nation · Oct 5
Alabama Returns as 5-0 Title Contender Behind Keelon Russell
3 articles · Updated · SB Nation · Oct 5
Summary
At 5-0, Alabama has moved from CFP bubble-team status to a team with a realistic path to the national title ahead of Saturday’s home game against Georgia.
Keelon Russell is the biggest catalyst: the quarterback threw for 285 yards at Mississippi State and has given Kalen DeBoer’s team top-end play it lacked the past two seasons.
The sharper change may be in the trenches, where Alabama has fixed last year’s rushing and rush-defense problems and posted at least a 10-point net success-rate edge every week.
Three running backs — Daniel Hill, Trae’shawn Brown and EJ Crowell — are averaging at least 5 yards per carry, while the rebuilt offensive line and defensive front have turned former weak spots into strengths.
That marks a clear break from 2024 and 2025, when Alabama hovered around the expanded 12-team playoff cut line but lacked the balance to threaten for a championship.