Initial takeaways from Alabama losing to Indiana in Rose Bowl

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Alabama football’s season ended in the Rose Bowl against Indiana.

Here are initial takeaways from the Crimson Tide’s season ending in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal:

Alabama Got Bullied In The Trenches

Alabama football was bullied in the trenches in this one once both teams settled in. They look like they did not belong on the same field with the Hoosiers once Indiana got rolling. This has to change for Kalen DeBoer teams if they want to live up to the Alabama standard.

Alabama Has To Go Searching For A Run Game

The Tide can point fingers at its running backs, offensive line or Ryan Grubb. They can point to blame at a variety of factors, but it is extremely difficult to win or make a run at a National Championship without, at worst, a solid rushing attack. Alabama needs to go searching and find a way to run the football next season.

Quarterbacks?

This position becomes a question mark. Ty Simpson is likely going to move on to the NFL, but what does the future of the position look like? Austin Mack showed some potential in the Rose Bowl, but the five-star freshman quarterback Keelon Russell is in waiting. What does this room look like next year?

Future Of Alabama Football Still Has Potential To Be Very Bright

Kalen DeBoer and Alabama have recruited at a high level, Tuscaloosa remains a desirable spot for transfers, and Alabama has a lot of young talent. All of these factors point to the Tide having the players needed to make a run at a National Championship.

Turns Attention Immediately To Transfer Portal

Alabama football now has to turn its full attention to the transfer portal to fill holes left by its players entering the portal and moving on to the NFL.