Conspiracy? Backlash? Punishment? Alabama's 2024 Schedule None of the Above: All Things CW

Here's the reality of the Crimson Tide's 2024 SEC announced opponents. Every team in the league will have a tough, challenging schedule.

Courtesy of Alabama Athletics

Now that we've all had a few days to process and digest the Southeastern Conference's 2024 eight-game league schedule, or at least the opponents, some thoughts on what's coming in college football and for the Alabama Crimson Tide:

1) In a way the SEC did Alabama a favor with Oklahoma

Greg Byrne had signed a home-and-home deal with the Sooners, with the Crimson Tide heading to Normal on Sept. 11, 2032, and the return trip occurring the following season on Sept. 10, 2033. Instead, the initial trip was essentially moved up, and we know the return visit won't be far behind. 

Oklahoma fans, of course, will be anxious to host Alabama, but that's not the game they'll be circling on the calendar in 2024. It'll be Tennessee as head coach Josh Heupel will be bringing the Volunteers to play his alma matter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

2) Instant reaction from Oklahoma and Texas fans

There were probably two. The first was something on the order of "Oh my, are you kidding me?" over the difficulty of the schedule compared to what they're used to in the Big 12. Meanwhile, school officials were probably doing celebratory fist bumps. They're getting the best of both words, renewed rivalries with SEC money. 

3) Number of complaints I've heard about not visiting Arkansas or Texas A&M

That would be zero. Granted this would have been the Crimson Tide's turn to travel to play Razorbacks, but let's face it, those trips have been a pain in the rear for Alabama fans. Playing both on occasion, and not every year, will be just fine, thanks. 

4) No Magnolia State opponents

No Lane Kiffin next year? Pout. 

The two schools closest together geographically also won't play, Alabama and Mississippi State. No cowbells. 

What's the opposite of pout? 

5) Timing will be crucial

Remember the whole thing 10 years ago about Alabama facing seven straight opponents coming off bye weeks? This has the potential to be just as treacherous.

Assume that the previously-scheduled games are all but set in stone, as contracts have been signed and few if any of the non-conference foes would be able to switch dates on such short notice. Let's also assume that the Iron Bowl remains the final game of the season on Thanksgiving weekend as rivalry games are always a great way to cap the regular season. 

If so, Alabama will face the other seven opponents over an eight week-span with a bye mixed in. That's Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina at home, with LSU, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Vanderbilt on the road. 

If the SEC was really out to get Crimson Tide and Nick Saban for no longer backing the nine-game schedule — because Alabama would have to play Auburn, LSU and Tennessee every year (which yours truly doesn't believe was the case. Doing away with divisions had already been decided, and the league was already too far down that road to pivot in a major way. What was announced on Tuesday evening was a really impressive contingency plan) — here's how you'll know: It’ll have Crimson Tide play Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma and Tennessee all in consecutive weeks. 

It won't happen. It would be shocking if Alabama had to play more than back-to-back Saturdays against two of them, and the same will hold true for every SEC team as everyone will have a tough schedule. Nevertheless, it'll still have a very challenging stretch somewhere in the middle of the season, just like it does now. 

Another, albeit lesser, concern is the Wisconsin game bumps up against what should be an SEC opponent. Take note, though, that the trip to Madison on Sept. 14 is currently the only game that Alabama has listed on its website. 

SEE ALSO: Alabama Football's 2024 SEC Opponents Announced