You are assessing the academics at UA based on US News and and a skit on Saturday Night Live?
Alabama isn't an Ivy League school and doesn't attempt to be. It's a large state flagship university that educates a broad range of students with varying levels of academic ability.
For elite students, there is the honors college, the Randall Research Scholars Program, the University Fellows Program, the Blount Scholars Program, an Accelerated Masters program, etc.There are plenty of smart kids at Alabama evidenced by the 75th percentile ACT score. Arguably students have more opportunities at Alabama than they would have at an elite school.
Somehow I don't think i am going to be able to get through to you. You are mesmerized by US News and institutional branding.