2013-14 Preview (SEC) Alabama
In some ways writing about Alabama is hard because there isn’t much to write that hasn’t already been written. Yes they are the two time defending national champs (3 in 4 years). Yes they have one of the best coaches in America (Nick Saban).
Alabama Crimson Tide
Coach: Nick Saban
2012 Record: 13-1
Odds of winning BCS Championship: +270
Yes they lose a lot of talent to the NFL every year but have another crop of NFL ready players led by senior QB A.J. McCarron. I suppose they might be motivated by the fact that last year they lost a game.
In 2013 things look like they are setting up for a perfect regular season for the Crimson Tide. All of their home games are winnable and the one road tilt that would have given them problems is in doubt right now because no one can know for sure what Johnny Manziel’s eligibility status will be at the moment.
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These guys could easily cruise through another regular season so there aren’t a lot of compelling storylines right now.
The defense get so much attention that you might not have noticed that the Crimson Tide were second in the SEC in scoring last season. The defense helps put the offense in good position for sure but they were also second in rushing and 4th in total yards.
This season they will probably look to increase their passing production to take advantage of McCarron and his ability to make good decisions. He has good options to throw to too including WR Amari Cooper, a rising superstar.
Speaking of rising stars running back T.J. Yeldon got his career off to a great start rushing for more than 1100 yards while in a backup role. This year he should get the bulk of the carries but the line may not be as dominant with just a couple of starters returning.
With the way the team has recruited under Saban it is unlikely this group will miss a beat and help the offense have the balance that makes them so dangerous. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Last year the Alabama defense was tops across the board in all categories and led the nation in all but passing defense (7th). 7 starters return to the unit which most expect will be tops in the country again this season.
Even with NFL losses the Tide return their top tackler in LB C.J. Mosley and their top sack artist in LB Adrian Hubbard.
Returning safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who led the team with 5 interceptions also returns and I am even more confident that the new starters on defense will perform than I am about the offensive line starters.
2013-14 Record Projection: 12-0
There are no certainties in college football but Alabama seems about as strong a lock as you can get to be very good this season. The defense will be stingy yet again and I have no concern the offense will not be as good as last year, maybe better.
Throughout their run of great play since Saban arrived at Alabama the Crimson Tide have not been a lucky squad either. They were plus 14 in turnovers last year a number that is wholly repeatable and comes from smart effective offense and a defense that can outmuscle you anywhere on the field.
This team doesn’t need to gamble, they are just that good. This season, barring injuries of course, it looks like they are on a collision course with Georgia again and I think that is the matchup they need to be most concerned about.
Georgia is expected to have a fantastic offensive team and that is the type of team that could give them trouble like the Bulldogs did in the SEC Championship and the Aggies did in their defeat of Alabama last year.
Over the past 4 years Alabama has put up a 32-18 ATS record so even though they often have huge numbers attached to their games they are still a pretty good bet most of the time.
2013 Crimson Tide Schedule:
AUG 31 – Virginia Tech (Atlanta)
SEP 14 – @Texas A&M
SEP 21 – Colorado State
SEP 28 – Ole Miss
OCT 5 – Georgia State
OCT 12 @Kentucky
OCT 19 – Arkansas
OCT 26 – Tennessee
NOV 9 – LSU
NOV 16 -@Mississippi State
NOV 23 – Chatanooga
NOV 30 – @Auburn
