As the goal posts dry in Nashville, Alabama fans are left grappling with the disappointing news that Kalen DeBoer just suffered a loss to Vanderbilt.

If misery finds company, then fellow struggling Alabama fans can commiserate with rival Tennessee, which faced a similar upset at the hands of Arkansas.

The playoff landscape took a significant hit after a chaotic Saturday, featuring just one Top 25 game but five top-15 teams going down, the most shocking being Alabama’s 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt.

Here are my thoughts after Week 6:

Will Alabama’s loss to Vanderbilt mark Kalen DeBoer’s legacy?

Alabama fans won’t forget that DeBoer endured the Tide’s first loss to Vanderbilt in four decades. However, they are likely to forgive him. How can he earn forgiveness? By making it to the playoffs this season and ideally winning a playoff game.

Alabama supporters revered Nick Saban even after he lost to Louisiana-Monroe in his debut season, after which he went on to deliver six national championships.

While DeBoer may not need six titles to smooth over a loss to Vanderbilt, this embarrassing defeat marks the end of his initial grace period. Should this setback prevent Alabama from making the playoffs, it could lead to significant fan frustration directed at DeBoer during the offseason.

This defeat against Vanderbilt could either be a minor note on DeBoer’s record, much like Saban’s loss to Louisiana-Monroe, or it could become the turning point of a troubled coaching stint. The outcome of this situation remains uncertain.

What’s particularly troubling is that the loss to Vanderbilt didn’t seem like a fluke. Alabama wasn’t undone by bad luck; Vanderbilt simply outperformed them.

Alabama lacked a pass rush, struggled on third downs, and was hindered by costly turnovers and penalties.

While DeBoer has the offense under control, the defense has struggled greatly in recent games, dating back to the victory over Georgia. It might be wise for DeBoer to seek advice from Saban on how to effectively defend against option plays, as Vanderbilt frequently outsmarted Alabama with these tactics.

What’s Going Wrong with Josh Heupel’s Tennessee Offense?

The offense falters when the offensive line collapses, and Arkansas thoroughly exploited Tennessee’s line in a 19-14 upset in Fayetteville.

The Volunteers entered the game with some leeway, as they could still aim for the playoffs with a 10-2 record, even with losses to Alabama and Georgia. However, they now need to secure a win against one of those two rivals while also succeeding in their other games.

Heupel built his reputation on developing quarterbacks, and his fast-paced offense has confounded many teams. Yet, Tennessee’s attack hasn’t shown the same level of fierceness as it did in 2022. Quarterback Hendon Hooker mastered Heupel’s system, delivering a standout season, and wide receiver Jalin Hyatt emerged as a remarkable deep threat.

This year’s Volunteers, however, lack a similar long-range threat to challenge defenses, and first-year starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava seems to be struggling with both the system and his offensive line.

Heupel previously thrived using players recruited by Jeremy Pruitt, but he seems to have taken a step back with the newcomers he brought in. This development should raise concerns for Tennessee fans.

Who’s at Fault for Michigan’s Quarterback Situation?

The future of the quarterback position in 2025 and beyond will primarily fall to coach Sherrone Moore, but he’s not wholly responsible for the current quarterback quandary.

While it is a coach’s duty to develop players, Jim Harbaugh put Michigan in a tough spot by delaying his departure until leaving for the NFL’s Chargers on January 24. By this time, quarterback JJ McCarthy had already declared for the NFL draft, leaving Michigan without many viable options for transfers.

It’s almost surprising that Michigan managed to beat Southern California, considering the struggles at quarterback. Moore didn’t recruit any of the QBs currently in the lineup, and he had limited time to address the situation due to Harbaugh’s timing.

Take note of Will Rogers, Washington’s quarterback who threw for 271 yards in the 27-17 victory over Michigan. Rogers had chosen Washington just six weeks before Michigan promoted Moore, further illustrating the tight timeline.

Moore needs to make it a priority to go after one of the top transfer quarterbacks available come winter, as he will face stiff competition in the market.

Insights on the College Football Playoff

What’s outdated: Teams like Missouri, Southern California, or Michigan making it to the playoffs.

What’s exciting: Texas A&M potentially securing a playoff spot.

The Aggies sent Missouri packing to the Gator Bowl with a decisive 41-10 victory at Kyle Field. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s chances for a playoff spot are looking shaky. It’s becoming increasingly likely that the Big Ten will have only three teams qualify for the playoffs.

This playoff chaos sets the stage for an unexpected contender to arise, particularly from College Station, Texas.

Quarterback Conner Weigman made a strong return after missing three games due to a shoulder injury, showcasing the best performance of his career. If Weigman can maintain his health—something that’s been a challenge in the past—the Aggies could finally have the versatile offense needed for playoff contention. To earn consideration, Texas A&M would likely need to split their games against LSU and Texas, both of which will take place at Kyle Field.

After last Saturday’s game, Missouri found itself in the “pretender” category, while the Aggies have transitioned into “contender” status.