Tide Takes: Alabama must not look ahead over next two weeks

Every Monday, we present “Tide Takes”, where we’ll get into a different topic on the Crimson Tide, break down the previous game, preview the upcoming game, and everything in between.

The Alabama Crimson Tide has gotten through cupcake week unscathed and now turns its attention to the final two weeks of the regular season before what they hope is an appearance in the SEC Championship game and subsequent trip to the College Football Playoff.

Based on how low the morale in the fanbase was just a month ago after the team suffered a second loss to Tennessee, it’s pretty incredible where things stand now. After arguably his worst game in an Alabama uniform during the loss in Knoxville, Jalen Milroe has turned things up a notch over the last several games and found himself in the good graces of fans once again.

Tide fans who were hesitant on the Kalen DeBoer hire at first, but were won over after beating Georgia, changed their tune once again and questioned him inheriting Nick Saban’s dynasty. Now, DeBoer has the Tide on the doorstep of a 10-win season and every goal from the preseason still ahead of it.

While, as analysts and fans, we can look ahead — the team must not get distracted from the goal at hand. Up first this week is a matchup on the road against an Oklahoma team that even though they have struggled will still be a tough place to play in the first ever SEC matchup between the two schools.

After that, a game that the Tide must never overlook: The Iron Bowl. Even though it’s in Tuscaloosa and the Auburn Tigers are trying to salvage their season — and potentially their coach’s job — a team with nothing to lose can be a dangerous thing. Neither Oklahoma nor Auburn have anything to lose.

On paper, the Tide should cruise over the next two weeks. But DeBoer and his squad must not count their chickens before they hatch — because they will lose if they do.