Missouri, Oklahoma games highlighted as ones to watch for Alabama in 2024

Kalen DeBoer has stated he wants to keep the same standard at Alabama following Nick Saban‘s retirement. Actions this fall will speak louder than words, likely meaning the Crimson Tide want to finish 12-0 or 11-1. Usually not too difficult to see playing out in Tuscaloosa, this year’s SEC schedule brings some oddities.

Games against Auburn, Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee are obvious standouts for Alabama. But when Tim Watts of On3’s BOL was asked which game he was circling, Missouri was brought up. Many fans might feel safe in assuming Oct. 26’s home matchup results in a win, especially since it’s the homecoming game.

However, Watts believes some caution is needed.

“I think it’s good that that game is at home,” Watts said on Tuesday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “Because you sandwich in going to Tennessee, Missouri is at home, and then you go LSU. There’s a lot that can happen there. Missouri is going to have some talented guys that are a scrappy bunch.

“I don’t think Missouri is being talked enough about overall. I still think Alabama is still in a good position to win that game but it’s a game I think you have to circle and watch.”

Missouri is considered a preseason top-15 team according to the AP poll released on Monday afternoon. Eli Drinkwitz has done a fantastic job building the program up over the years. Now, the Tigers are viewed as a College Football Playoff contender and potential dark horse to win the SEC.

Usually, those types of teams pop off the schedule. Alabama has a few key rivalry games and even an unusual nonconference game against Wisconsin, though. Missouri has the ability to be brushed over, at least on paper in early August.

Watts also mentioned a trip to Norman on Nov. 23 against Oklahoma as another game he is keeping an eye on. To find the last time Alabama played a conference foe ahead of the Iron Bowl, you have to go back to 2021. Furthermore, the last road game the week before facing Auburn occurred in the pre-Saban days in 2006.

Sooner fans will be more than ready to welcome Alabama to town, being one of their top games on the schedule. DeBoer will have to make sure his team is disciplined enough to prepare for a tough road test before getting his first taste of the Auburn rivalry.