The Alabama football team is going to be loaded once again in 2017, though here are a few teams that could give them fits as they try for another title.
If I were a betting man, I definitely would put my money on the Alabama Crimson Tide to win the College Football Playoff National Championship Game this season. Though they lost a ton of talent to the 2017 NFL Draft, the team does have arguably the best roster of players returning, and should be able to capture another SEC title. There are plenty of solid teams out there this season, and while their conference may not cause them too many problems, there are teams waiting for them come playoff time.
Alabama, in my opinion, is the best team in college football for the 2017 season, but we take a look at 15 teams that may be able to give them a run for their money if they happen to meet up in the regular season, or in the College Football Playoff.
The Wisconsin Badgers should be the favorite to win the Big Ten West division this season, as they return a solid roster in 2017. While the team could not play the Alabama Crimson Tide until the College Football Playoff, a soft schedule could land them there if they can take care of business in the Big Ten. Head coach Paul Chryst has won 21 games over the last two seasons, and a rematch against Penn State in the Big Ten Championship Game may be in the cards come December.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Badgers have a lot of work to do, as they have to replace T.J. Watt and Vince Biegel, though they do have the talent to do so. New defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard has Jack Cichy and Chris Orr returning at linebacker, and their defense as a whole could put some pressure on Jalen Hurts. It should be smooth sailing to the Big Ten title game if they can take care of Nebraska on the road, and a win in the title game could clinch a spot in the CFP.
Quarterback Alex Hornibrook has to step up this season, and replacing Corey Clement at running back is going to be a challenge. However, if they are healthy heading into the CFP, they have the leadership to at least give Alabama a challenge.