In 10 years under head coach Nick Saban, Alabama has established itself as the preeminent power in college football, winning four national championships with two other appearances in the College Football Playoff.
Alabama has been no stranger to the big stage and that won’t change early on in 2017. The Crimson Tide will begin the year in Atlanta against the only other team to finish ranked in each of the previous seven seasons and that is Florida State. With the teams set to meet Saturday at 8 p.m. on ABC, here is an early look at what the Seminoles will see in the opener.
On Alabama
Record (2016): 14-1
Offensive Ranks (2016): 34th in yards per game (455), 87th in passing (210.3), 12th in rushing (245), 16th in points per game (38.8).
Defensive Ranks (2016): 2nd in yards per game allowed (262), 24th in passing defense (197.9), 1st in rushing defense (63.9), 1st in scoring defense (13).
Last Game (2016): Lost Clemson in National Championship, 35-31.
On Offense
With the exception of wide receiver ArDarius Stewart and tight end O.J. Howard, Alabama returns virtually everyone at the skill positions. Out wide, Calvin Ridley is a dependable receiver, but the Crimson Tide are loaded in the backfield. Running backs Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough return after combining for nearly 1,900 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns last season. Quarterback Jalen Hurts ran for 954 yards last season, but has much room to mature as a passer.
As usual, the offensive line should be a strength for Alabama. In addition to center Bradley Bozeman, the strength should be the left side with tackle Jonah Williams and guard Ross Pierschbacher. The right side of guard Lester Cotton and tackle Matt Womack has just a total five starts between them, but the two did see a lot of the field last season.
On Defense
Alabama is losing its leaders in sacks, tackles and forced fumbles as Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster and Ryan Anderson are all off to the NFL, but there is no shortage of talent for the Crimson Tide on defense. The Crimson Tide led the country a season ago in rush defense and scoring defense. Up front, Da’Ron Payne and Da’Shawn Hand both have All-American talent. There is some question whether Hand will be available after being issued with a DUI in the offseason, but Saban said a suspension is unlikely.
At linebacker, the duo of Shaun Dion Hamilton and Rashaan Evans is an extremely talented one, but replacing Foster and Anderson won’t be easy. The secondary for Alabama may be the strength for the Tide with All-American Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Harrison being perhaps the best tandem of safeties in the country. Both players had a pair of defensive touchdowns last season while Harrison is the team’s leading returning tackler. Senior cornerback Anthony Averett is also a good one.
On Special Teams
When it comes to the kicking game, Andy Pappanastos will take over for Adam Griffith as the team’s placekicker. Pappanastos made his only field goal attempt last season from 33 yards out. Punter J.K. Scott should be one of the best in the country after averaging more than 47 yards per punt last season.
In the return game, Alabama had four different players score on a punt last season with Eddie Jackson leading the way with two. Jackson is gone, but Xavian Marks returns after taking one back last season. Trevon Diggs is also a prolific returner. As a team, the Crimson Tide averaged less than 20 yards per kickoff return.
Summary
Alabama is and continues to be one of the most talented team in college football. Despite losing a school-record 10 players to the NFL Draft, the Crimson Tide remain loaded with talent. While there is no talent shortage, some key players and experience are gone and Hurts has still not proven himself as a passer. As one of the few teams that still run a power-style NFL offense, Alabama has a proven history of wearing teams down.
Alabama has lost more than twice just once since 2008. Over that span, the Crimson Tide have finished the season ranked in the top 10 every year.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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