Stephen A. Smith, known for his passionate commentary on ESPN’s First Take, expressed sharp criticism of Alabama football during Wednesday’s episode. Smith’s frustration stemmed from recent comments made by Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne, who suggested that the university might reconsider scheduling future nonconference games against Power Four opponents. Byrne’s remarks came after Alabama (9-3 overall) missed the College Football Playoff (CFP) for the second time in three years.
Smith dismissed Byrne’s reasoning, pointing out that all three of Alabama’s losses this season came against SEC opponents: Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee. He accused the program of trying to deflect blame for its shortcomings.
“Alabama makes me sick,” Smith said. “This AD was acting like Nick Saban was still there, blaming the conference schedule as if Alabama was owed something. The reality is that Nick Saban is gone, and the program has taken a step back. DeBoer is not Saban. You lost to Vanderbilt, and that says it all.”
Alabama’s loss to Vanderbilt on October 5 marked the program’s first defeat to the Commodores in 40 years. Two weeks later, the Crimson Tide fell 24-17 to Tennessee, and their season hit a low point with a 24-3 loss to Oklahoma on November 23. That loss was especially significant, as Alabama still had control of its playoff chances at the time.
Smith continued his critique, highlighting the poor offensive performance against Oklahoma. “You scored three points against Oklahoma. We all forgot Oklahoma even had a defense until they held Alabama to three points. The nerve of this team. Alabama has been a huge disappointment this year.”
Smith also expressed satisfaction with Alabama’s exclusion from the CFP, citing the decline in standards since Saban’s departure. “The standard Nick Saban set for nearly two decades took a dive this year, and they needed to be held accountable. I have no problem with them missing the playoffs at all.”
Despite the disappointment, Alabama will have an opportunity to close out the season on a higher note. The Crimson Tide is set to face Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl (formerly the Outback Bowl) on New Year’s Eve at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT, with the game airing on ESPN.