Alabama moves back into top 10 of ESPN’s power rankings after Week 8
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Alabama is back in the top 10 of ESPN’s updated power rankings.
The Crimson Tide moved up 4 spots to No. 10 after defeating Texas A&M 31-20 on Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa. The Aggies held a lead into the 4th quarter, but Alabama dominated the final stanza and ended up with a much-needed victory.
Alabama was without multiple key starters, including receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams and center Racin Delgatty. Despite being shorthanded, the Tide found a way to get back in the win column and snap a 2-game losing streak.
Here’s analysis from ESPN’s Alex Scarborough:
It wasn’t a pretty win over Texas A&M. Alabama’s running game, which had looked much improved over the first month of the season, continued its slide with only 68 yards on 28 carries. But for a team dealing with four starters and a few key reserves out due to injuries, avoiding a third straight loss and getting to the bye week 6-2 was all that mattered for the Crimson Tide. Coach Kalen DeBoer said he hoped that “a lot” of injured players would make it back for a trip to LSU on Nov. 7. It would help if that list includes star wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams and center Racin Delgatty, as their absence has been noticeable. Beyond simple recovery, the Tide need to get back on track when it comes to creating balance on offense and tightening up the secondary.
Alabama will now be idle in Week 9 after starting out the season with 8 consecutive games. The Crimson Tide have little margin-for-error remaining if they hope to reach the College Football Playoff in 2026.
Alabama and LSU will kick off in Baton Rouge on Nov. 7.
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Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
