The Alabama Crimson Tide didn’t win the national championship last season. They didn’t win the Southeastern Conference championship last season. They didn’t win the SEC West Division championship last season. They’re going to be intent on winning back everything they lost last year. This is a team that will be motivated. Motivation, though, can’t take care of all of a team’s problems. The players on the field have to be good enough, and the coaching has to be good enough as well.
Strengths
The Crimson Tide had a loaded offense last season, but their defense could be attacked at times. This season, the defense should be the true strength of the team. Alabama’s secondary was vulnerable last season, but the Crimson Tide’s pass defense should be better this season. One thing that works for the Crimson Tide is the fact that a lot of the SEC’s top quarterbacks from 2013 are no longer around, especially in the SEC West. Johnny Manziel is no longer at Texas A&M. Zach Mettenberger is no longer at LSU. You should expect Alabama to defend the pass with more effectiveness, and that’s going to be a good starting point for coach Nick Saban’s team.
The commitment to defense, though, will become even more important on the front seven, which was gashed at times by Auburn last season in the game that prevented the Crimson Tide from achieving all of their goals in 2013. Auburn’s hurry-up-no-huddle offense threw Alabama’s defense off balance. A fast pace of play is something Saban hates, but you can bet that he has had his defense well conditioned in the offseason and has made it a priority to have his defense coached properly in hurry-up situations. Alabama’s not going to get burned by Auburn this year, or at least, Saban will make sure his defense is ready for anything Auburn might throw in his direction.
Weaknesses
The Tide had A.J. McCarron the past three seasons, giving them one of the most successful starting quarterbacks in the history of college football. Two national titles and a Sugar Bowl appearance in year three make McCarron a hugely prosperous signal caller in Alabama history and SEC history. He did so much for Alabama, and at times, he carried the team, especially on days when the defense was not playing at its best. Now, everything changes for Alabama and its offense. The running game should be solid with Derrick Henry and T.J. Yeldon in the backfield, but quarterback is now the question mark it has not been over the past several years. There is once again some uncertainty about what Alabama will get from this position on the field. Jacob Coker is the clear favorite for the job, but he’s untested at the college level. Alabama should have no problem with its opener against West Virginia, but everyone’s waiting to see what Coker will do against the SEC.
Schedule
The Crimson Tide must go to LSU, but they get Texas A&M and Auburn at home. The West Virginia game won’t be a problem. The visit to Ole Miss could be tough. Yet, if Alabama’s good enough, the difficulty of the schedule shouldn’t matter.
Outlook
The uncertainty at quarterback will probably cost Alabama once. The real question is if it will cost Alabama more than once. Ole Miss or LSU could pick off the Tide, but Alabama should be ready for Auburn. If it is, the Tide should win the SEC.
Pick: Over 10.5 at -125
