Alabama’s Comeback After Initial Loss
The 2025 college football season didn’t start off well for the Alabama Crimson Tide, as they faced an unexpected defeat against Florida State. In light of this, former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel shared with Fox News Digital that the Crimson Tide “is not scared of anybody” anymore. It seems that Karen DeBoer’s lead as head coach in the post-Nick Saban era lacks that intimidating presence, reflected in last year’s 9-4 record, dotted with surprising defeats.
Yet, since that unfortunate opener against the Seminoles, Alabama has shown a striking change. They’ve bounced back, winning five games in a row, including impressive victories against top-ranked teams like Georgia, an unexpected loss from the previous season, and Missouri.
Damian Harris, a former Crimson Tide running back and now a college football analyst, commented on this Alabama revival, describing it as “nothing short of amazing.” He noted the impressive turnaround after last year’s loss to Vanderbilt and a difficult opening road game. He emphasized that the team is holding itself accountable and, while they might not be aiming to return to past Alabama standards, they are certainly setting their own benchmarks for improvement.
The fear factor might be back for their upcoming match against No. 11 Tennessee in Tuscaloosa, especially as Alabama currently ranks sixth in the Associated Press Top 25 poll.
Harris highlighted how facing teams that aren’t intimidated by Alabama has its advantages. He reminisced about a childhood moment when he told his mother he wasn’t scared anymore, to which she humorously replied. This sentiment mirrors the attitude of players like Vanderbilt’s quarterback Diego Pavia, who showed no fear, having beaten Alabama before, and even Georgia, who faced Alabama without intimidation despite the pressure of the night game.
What Harris described is a mentality — a refreshing shift in how teams approach Alabama. He suggests that it’s not necessarily about fear; instead, it’s about fostering confidence. It’s crucial for Alabama that opponents believe they can win, as that goes hand-in-hand with the way Alabama plays their game.
Recently, the Crimson Tide has showcased resilience, especially after two challenging road games. They triumphed in both and avenged their earlier loss to Vanderbilt on October 4.
Further, Harris is particularly impressed with quarterback Ty Simpson, who he believes should be in the running for the Heisman. Simpson has accumulated significant stats this season—1,689 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and only one interception, plus two rushing touchdowns.
Harris remarked on how Simpson and receiver Ryan Williams have taken charge of the team, bringing a sense of accountability and improvement. It’s clear they are stepping up, showing a level of commitment that’s commendable.
As for the outside narratives surrounding the team, Harris feels they might just add fuel to the players’ fire. This group seems eager to prove they belong in the College Football Playoff and are focused on winning a national championship.
Harris noted that the team dynamics appear strong and tight-knit, underscoring their dedication to each other rather than getting wrapped up in outside opinions. The message within the locker room is clear: they have everything they need to succeed, and they know that opinions from the outside don’t matter much.
As the Crimson Tide prepares for the showdown with the Volunteers, Harris is particularly focused on their journey this week, with Dr. Pepper hosting a game day event. They plan to introduce the “Pepper Portal,” a unique fan experience, where Harris will represent Alabama alongside former Volunteers quarterback Josh Dobbs. The event promises to engage fans while generating excitement for the upcoming game.
