It’s finally Game Week.

After what feels like ages, the Alabama Crimson Tide are ready to kick off the season.

The encouraging news for Tide supporters is that, instead of an easy opener against Cupcake State, they’ll face a significant challenge in early road tests against Florida State’s Seminoles.

Last season was tough for FSU, but they were just a year removed from being strong title contenders, having an unbeaten regular season before their playoff hopes collapsed.

Alabama is favored by about two touchdowns as new quarterback Ty Simpson prepares to step into his role as the starting QB for the Tide.

Simpson has his own pressures to manage, but those pale in comparison to the expectations resting on head coach Karen DeBoer, who is heading to Tallahassee.

Fans were understandably let down by DeBoer’s first season in Tuscaloosa.

After enduring four losses and missing the playoffs, coupled with two particularly humiliating defeats, DeBoer knows he has a lot riding on this year. He has a promising quarterback in Simpson and one of the nation’s best rosters.

However, the schedule is daunting.

Alabama cannot afford to lose to Florida.

The era of undefeated seasons seems to be in the past. The committee made that clear last year when it left three SEC teams out of the playoffs despite having three losses. Ten wins are essential.

Facing talented teams in a challenging environment isn’t simple, but this is a must-win game. If DeBoer’s team suffers another loss, the focus on his job security will only intensify in the coming weeks, whether that’s fair or not.

This isn’t a matchup Alabama can afford to take lightly, particularly as they’re expected to win by two touchdowns. Most fans might be willing to overlook last year’s results, but a loss this weekend would be met with sharp criticism.

DeBoer and his squad need to deliver, as the stakes have never been higher.