No. 1 – Alabama Crimson Tide Season Preview

The greatest coach in modern college football history has Alabama positioned to repeat as national champions although the Crimson Tide are only returning three starters on offense. Nick Saban has won six national titles in the last 12 seasons for Alabama, surpassing Bear Bryant as the greatest coach in program history. The Crimson Tide have been perennial contenders for the last dozen years, as the usual factors of returning production don’t apply to them due to their absurd recruiting and development.

Alabama Regular Season Win Total

Over 11.5 Wins +115

Under 11.5 Wins -145

OFFENSE

Bryce Young is the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide. He saw a little action in place of Mac Jones last season, and he looked alright in limited snaps. Young was a top recruit and will likely be given a long leash if he struggles early as Alabama doesn’t have any other experienced options behind him on the depth chart.

Superstars Najee Harris, DeVonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle were all selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, meaning that there will be a lot of new targets and ball carriers.

It’s likely that Saban uses a platoon approach at running back. Brian Robinson has the experience of a senior, but Jase McClellan, Trey Sanders, and Roydell Williams should all see action.

The receiving corps has one proven commodity in John Metchie III. Metchie was Alabama’s big play threat in 2020, and he will be the top target this season. Slade Bolden should see some looks too, while Jameson Williams is expected to have an impact after transferring in from Ohio State.

Left tackle Evan Neal is the anchor of the offensive line, but he is one of just two returning starters. That typically isn’t an issue for Alabama, yet it is something to watch.

DEFENSE

Eight starters return on defense for Alabama. The Crimson Tide haven’t allowed more than 20 PPG in a season since Saban’s very first season in 2007, and it’s very unlikely that changes this year.

Arguably the most talented player on this defense is Malachi Moore. He earned Second Team All-SEC honors as a true freshman, as he shined in the STAR role. Moore is rumored to be dealing with an injury though and missed the last few games of the 2020 season due to injury.

This secondary has a lot of talent outside of Moore though. Josh Jobe is a solid cornerback, and Jordan Battle is a quality safety. Kool-Aid McKinstry has received a lot of buzz in the offseason as a true freshman too.

Most of the front seven returns from 2020. Christopher Allen and Phidarian Mathis are both seen as early picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, and Will Anderson Jr. shined as a freshman. Christian Harris is seen as an elite linebacker too.

SCHEDULE

This is not an easy schedule for Alabama. The Crimson Tide will play four teams in the Preseason Top 16, and only one of those games will be at home. However, they shouldn’t have much trouble in Atlanta against Miami or on the road against Florida in the third week of the season. A road trip to Texas A&M the week after Ole Miss does loom large for the Crimson Tide though.

PREDICTION

Although Alabama is the No. 1 team and will likely make the College Football Playoff again, it will be hard for them to go unbeaten in 2021. The Crimson Tide have numerous potential stumbling blocks, and they are good enough to get into the CFP with just one loss.

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