No excuses, just reality. First season without the goat and half the team hit the transfer portal last year upon his retirement. Is what it is.
The CFP and NCAA have tried for years to dismantle dynasties by shifting rules until they get the outcome they want, 4 team playoffs then when that didn't work a 12-team playoffs, removing the one-season penalty for the transfer portal, and allowing NIL money so good players transfer to weaker teams instead of sitting the bench and waiting their turn. Saban saw the writing on the wall, it's the new reality of it's anybody's season to win.