2. Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2, 6-2)
Alabama is reinventing itself (again) under Nick Saban, going back a few years to a more controlled, physical offensive game and a defensive scheme that promises more pressure and a closer attention to the details. The offensive skill positions are question marks, and the effectiveness of the defensive line will ultimately lie with the defensive line’s ability to develop. (Click here for expanded Alabama preview)
Rankings (Ex, Vg, Av, Fr, Pr)
| Quarterbacks: Av Running Backs: Ex Wide Receivers: Av Offensive Line: Vg | Defensive Line: Vg Linebackers: Ex Defensive Backs: Ex Special Teams: Ex |
Offense: What could go right
Alabama’s offensive line has quietly drawn a lot of praise from practice observers since the early spring, and the praise has reached a crescendo over the summer and into fall. Whether that’s because OL coach Eric Wolford is simply having more success in his second year, or if it’s due to a recommitment to physical football under new OC Tommy Rees, is unclear. Also helpful in this regard is a rebuilt tight end group, with Maryland transfer C.J. Dippre at its core. The running back group is fast and multi-skilled, and it goes six deep. For fans who believe Alabama’s identity is in smashmouth football, they’re about to get a dose of it.
Offense: What could go wrong
The wide receiver group was barely functional at times in 2022 despite being overloaded with numbers, and its ranking of “Average” heading into 2023 is more a function of Dippre, Amari Niblack and Danny Lewis Jr. at tight end than the actual edge players. Drops have been a problem, and while that’s never a good thing, it’s certainly not optimal when breaking in a new quarterback. There may be no bigger storyline for any team in college football this year than the Alabama quarterback situation. Redshirt freshman Ty Simpson has not been able to unseat sophomore Jalen Milroe, and Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner seemed to get off to a slow start in fall camp. Things were still so unsettled recently that true freshman Dylan Lonergan got work with the first unit. With Alabama looking to potentially slow the game down a little, it can’t have a quarterback making mistakes and putting the defense back on the field.
Defense: What could go right
Alabama somewhat surprisingly went after two portal defensive backs (UAB’s Jaylen Key and Louisiana’s Trey Amos) and the added competition has tightened up an already talented secondary. The linebacker group was already full of several big-time playmakers, and even with the losses of Will Anderson and Henry To’o To’o from the 2022 unit, this year’s group might actually be improved overall. There is plenty of depth in both groups, and Alabama has speed to burn. The big change on this side of the ball is in mindset. Nick Saban has promised to field a more aggressive defense and one that sacrifices a bit of complexity for fewer mental mistakes. So far, it seems to be working.
Defense: What could go wrong
The only good thing about Alabama’s struggles at receiver last year was that it took the heat off a defensive line that really didn’t play very well. Byron Young was the lone star, and D.J. Dale had a solid, productive year, but they’re both gone and the questions are back. The return of Justin Eboigbe from a neck injury will certainly help, but Alabama needs to get better production from the other tackle/end slot. The best player of the bunch is NT Jaheim Oatis, but having the nosetackle as the primary playmaker up front is sketchy. There isn’t a lack of bodies at this position, but Bama needs playmakers. Just simply being solid isn’t going to be enough.
One-sentence summary: The defense will have to carry the Tide, maybe for the entire season.
Alabama has more talent than anyone in the conference outside of Georgia, and even Georgia’s claim is up for debate. But there’s a big hole at quarterback until Bama proves otherwise, and just enough “average-ness” at wide receiver and defensive line to make a championship-via-defense look hard to come by.
Next: 3. Texas A&M Aggies