"This team doesn't have an identity": Desmond Howard takes a dig at Kalen DeBoer's Alabama after Nick Saban's departure

Former NFL wide receiver and Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard believes the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide are having an identity crisis this season without Nick Saban. Coach Kalen DeBoer took over the role after Saban decided to retire earlier this year.

Although the Tide are currently 5-1 entering Week 8, Howard said on ESPN's pregame show "College GameDay" that Alabama needs to figure out who it is.

"When I look at Alabama, it's like I'm looking at a team stuck in this abyss. They're stuck between who they were and who they want to be," Howard said. "Who they were with Coach Saban and who they want to be with Coach Kalen DeBoer. This team doesn't have an identity."

On Saturday, the Crimson Tide (5-1, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) will face the No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers (5-1, 2-1) in a road game at Neyland Stadium. When giving predictions, Howard chose the Volunteers to defeat DeBoer's team.

"Guys are just worried about things off the field": Desmond Howard on the Alabama Crimson Tide's lack of focus

Howard also shared his thoughts on the culture shift that he believes has occurred under DeBoer's leadership with Crimson Tide. He feels that the team lacks focus and is more worried about what is happening off the field.

"We talked last week about the culture...seems like there's a lot of mouthing. Guys are just worried about things off the field," Howard said. "When Coach Saban was there, they was focused on the opponent no matter who they were, no matter what their ranking was.

"They focused on being the better team. They focused on themselves, not their opponent. It seems like they're kind of stuck in this abyss right now."

Despite the criticism, DeBoer has led the Crimson Tide to be one of the best teams in the SEC heading into Week 8. Alabama's only loss thus far was against the Vanderbilt Commodores (4-2, 2-1) in a close 40-35 game on Oct. 5. An impressive win over Tennessee could change Howard's opinion on the current state of the Tide with DeBoer as coach.