Desmond Howard not overlooking Alabama in 2023: 'Every game is going to be a statement game'

Desmond Howard believes many people are overlooking the Alabama Crimson Tide, but he’s not one of them.

During an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up ahead of Week 0 officially getting underway, Howard explained why some other programs have overtaken Alabama’s praise in the media, but warned not to discount the prowess of Nick Saban’s program entering 2023.

“Well you know, the problem is that Georgia has supplanted Alabama right now,” said the former Michigan Wolverines star. “So people are thinking Georgia, Georgia, Georgia. And don’t forget, Alabama just lost their Heisman Trophy winning quarterback too, Bryce Young. So now they’re trying to replace him, the most important position in football. But Nick Saban. They do tremendous job recruiting. He’s an excellent coach. The best we’ve ever seen. I’m not overlooking Alabama. I think they’re going to come into the 2023 season with a chip on their shoulder, and they’re going to be out to make a point.

“Every game is going to be a statement game for Alabama. So I’m not overlooking Alabama. I can’t wait to see them play Texas in Tuscaloosa.”

While Alabama is still Alabama, it’s easy to see why some are looking beyond the Crimson Tide this season. Their quarterback situation does bring a ton of questions, as neither Tyler Buchner, Jalen Milroe, nor Ty Simpson have been named the starter yet.

Nick Saban has stated the job will go past the first week of the regular season as well, which is fascinating considering the Crimson Tide’s Week 2 showdown with the Longhorns that Howard mentioned.

Nevertheless, Howard’s College GameDay teammate Kirk Herbstreit is also a believer in the Crimson Tide entering a new campaign, as he explained on Thursday.

“I’m bullish on Alabama this year,” Herbstreit said on Thursday during The Herbie Awards. “I just have that weird feeling. People kind of ‘Oh Saban. There’s a new sheriff in town. It’s Kirby and Georgia. Alabama is done, Saban is done.’ All that kind of talk.

“I think it just motivates — history tells us. When Alabama doesn’t quite accomplish their goals from a year before, even though they have quarterback concerns — look for them to bounce back. It’s going to be the old-school Alabama. Running the football, field position, taking care of the ball, winning the turnover battle. I think they go back to their roots.”

Time will tell if it’s just the Alabama brand making Desmond Howard and Kirk Herbstreit believers, or if there’s some smoke where there’s fire. Nevertheless, we’ll find out early, as the Crimson Tide will face some stiff tests in September.