Crimson Tide football

It’s homecoming at the University of Alabama. But, tomorrow’s football between the Crimson Tide and Missouri has all the earmarks of a playoff elimination match. Alabama started the season ranked fifth and spent a week at number one after Georgia. Then came losses at Vanderbilt and Tennessee.

Those top 10 rankings have fallen by the wayside for Alabama and Missouri. Still clinging to playoff hopes, the 15th-ranked Crimson Tide and No. 21 Tigers meet Saturday in Tuscaloosa for what amounts to a virtual elimination game.

The 2024 theme for The University of Alabama's Homecoming is, “New Era, Same Standard.” Before the Crimson Tide kickoff against the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 2:30 p.m. on ABC and ESPN+, several homecoming traditions will continue throughout the week, including UA's first-ever drone light show.

“New Era, Same Standard.” That's the theme for this year's homecoming at The University of Alabama, and festivities begin on Sunday, Oct. 20. Here's a look at what to expect in the week ahead!

The Crimson Tide hits the road to face the Tennessee Volunteers tomorrow. The game comes after Alabama narrowly defeated South Carolina and the Vols beat Florida in overtime. The Tide still appears to be finding its rhythm following a loss of Vanderbilt and a come from behind victory over Georgia.

Who wins the latest game in the historic rivalry known as the Third Saturday of October may matter more than ever for Alabama and Tennessee. The seventh-ranked Crimson Tide and No. 11 Tennessee are playing Saturday.

Clark Lea, who led the Commodores to a win over then-No. 1 Alabama, has turned in the top coaching performance at the midpoint of the season, according to voting from 10 reporters who cover the SEC for The Associated Press. UA QB Jalen Milroe was picked as the top offensive player and South Carolina's Kyle Kennard nabbed defensive recognition.

The Crimson Tide narrowly avoided another upset after losing to Vanderbilt last week. Alabama was able to hold off South Carolina 27-25 with an interception after allowing the Gamecocks a chance at handing the Tide its second straight SEC loss.

The leaders of the SEC and Big Ten want to see how the first year of the expanded College Football Playoff works before deciding what comes next. The presidents and athletic sidrcot met at a Nashville hotel with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti going over the changing landscape of college athletics.

Alabama’s stunning loss was splashed across headlines and screens nationwide. South Carolina didn’t get quite so much attention but is trying to bounce back from its own embarrassing performance in a 27-3 loss to No. 9 Mississippi. It’s time to see how they both respond on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.