After a bitter defeat in the National Championship, Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide once again have to reload on the field and within the staff to make another playoff run.
Last season ended in bitter disappointment for the Alabama Crimson Tide as they were beaten soundly by the Clemson Tigers in the national championship game. They’ve also lost another crop of players moving to the NFL and coaches continue to be plucked or let go from Nick Saban’s staff. Though despite that there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Tide will be right in the thick of the college football playoff mix during the 2019 season.
However, depth does appear to be somewhat of an issue at the moment so it will be interesting to see how Saban navigates this Saturday’s game.
The reasons for optimism start with the return of Tua Tagovailoa. The junior is coming off a 2018 campaign where he finished second in the Heisman race throwing for 3966 yards and 43 touchdowns. Tua brought an entirely new feel to the Alabama offense that fans had not seen before as they became a prolific passing game. Alongside Tua is a receiving corps that is arguably the best in America with Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, DeVonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle.
In the backfield, it is now time for former number two overall recruit Najee Harris to take over as the lead running back. He could be on the verge of a tremendous breakout season after rushing for over 700 yards in 2018 despite sharing time with Joshua Jacobs and Damien Harris who have both go on to the NFL.
Though what is going to determine the success of this offensive is whether new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian can duplicate what Mike Locksley did in 2018. Saban has shown he’s willing to take risk within in coaching staff so perhaps Sarkisian coming back will be just another one of his genius gambles. Fans will certainly let them know if it does not work.
On the defensive side of the ball, they once again find themselves having to replace great starters at each level of the defense. Starting with the trenches were they need to find a way to replicate the production of Quinnen Williams who dominated the SEC last season and Isaiah Buggs who too had a very productive year. Look for Raekown Davis to be the anchor up front as he looks to rebound from a disappointing 2018. Davis was at one point the player NFL scouts liked the most on the Alabama defense going into last season, so he needs to regain his stock.
At linebacker, Mack Wilson has moved on, but Dylan Moses and Anfernee Jenning should be able to keep things running smooth. However, be on the lookout for Eyabi Anoma who has all the physical traits, but his improvements mentally and technically will be something to keep an eye on.
The secondary seems to be mostly established with Trevon Diggs back from a foot injury to start opposite of Patrick Surtain ll. Behind them, Xavier McKinney is the leader at the safety position, but the spot to replace Deionte Thompson is a battle to watch closely.
Watch Alabama spring game
- Date: Friday, April 12
- Start Time: 2 p.m. ET
- Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Stadium: Bryant-Denny Stadium
- TV Info: ESPN2
- Live Stream: Watch ESPN