Alabama football: 5 questions the Crimson Tide must answer in 2020

2. Will the tough Alabama football schedule be their downfall?

Playing in the SEC is never easy but, even though Alabama football went 10-2 in the 2019 campaign, a down year for the program, they had a relatively soft schedule. The Crimson Tide faced only three ranked opponents in the regular season and, while they defeated No. 24 Texas A&M, they dropped their games against LSU and Auburn.

If Bama is going to return to the College Football Playoff, they’re going to need to perform better against top-tier competition. Having a healthy quarterback and stability at the position in addition to seeing their defense take a step forward after their dropoff will undeniably help that cause. But it’s important to note that this team needs all of that given the schedule that they face.

The 2020 slate is none too kind for the Crimson Tide. Saban’s team opens the season up in Arlington against a high-octane USC Trojans team that could be dangerous. In Week 3, they’re taking on Georgia, who may be the favorite to win the SEC East. They also make trips to Tennessee and LSU before finishing the season against Auburn, which is thankfully at home.

Though this should be a different year for Alabama in terms of their stylistic approach, one has to wonder how they will fare against such a tough schedule. Even if this iteration of the Crimson Tide is a more consistent and traditional force out of Tuscaloosa, this 2020 slate might be what causes them the most trouble in trying to make it into the final four once again.