Latest College Football Coaches Poll proves the Alabama Crimson Tide still have the intimidation factor

The Alabama Crimson Tide are entering an age of the unknown.

Gone is the man who created the greatest dynasty in college football history and in is HC Kalen DeBoer.

And while that has created plenty of uncertainty and questions surrounding the program, it's clear that those who will be facing the Tide still view them among the elite.

Crimson Tide Rank 5th in Preseason Coaches Poll

Kalen DeBoer needs to do the impossible at Alabama. He needs to replace Nick Saban, the greatest head coach of his generation. Clearly, based on the Preseason Coaches Poll, there are expectations that he’s going to be able to do that well.

One major benefit for DeBoer and Alabama is that Saban didn’t leave the cupboard bare. This is a very talented team, led by returning starting quarterback Jalen Milroe a season after taking the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff. - Dan Morrison, On3

One thing that can't be denied is how impactful Kalen DeBoer was on the University of Washington. He took over a Huskies squad that won a combined seven games in the two years prior to his arrival and immediately turned the program on it's head.

A 25-3 record during his two seasons in Seattle, capped off by an appearance in the national championship last year, DeBoer's recent job was beyond impressive. With an overall record of 104-12, it's clear that his pedigree combined with the roster of Alabama has many still believing in the Tide.

But perhaps most importantly, it's what DeBoer can do for Jalen Milroe that can separate this team. One thing we know for sure is that DeBoer has never had a QB with the talent that Milroe possesses .

He took Michael Penix Jr., who was widely believed to be a day-three pick or even an undrafted free agent, and turned him into the eighth overall pick in last April's draft.

And it's only a few days into fall camp, but Milroe is already excelling and showing significant development according to DeBoer:

“Really, the way he’s intentional about coming out, DeBoer recently told the media. "You know, even not what you say but how you do things, what your body language is. He gets that, that’s important, but he’s actually just really just leading that way and then it leads to him playing well and the other guys following suit. Today, he came out again, really he threw the deep ball probably as well as I’ve seen him throw. That’s a lot of guys and the timing, his rhythm and all of that coming into play. He’s getting more comfortable… He’s done a nice job raising his game and asking more from himself.”

With an offense that boasts a potential Heisman Trophy winner and a defense that has All-SEC members written all over it, the Tide are hoping fifth is the lowest ranking they will see all season.

Related: College football has a clear frontrunner at QB heading into 2024 and he doesn't play in Colorado