Front Porch FootballAlabama: 2016 Preseason Preview
By Brendan Paschal
The Alabama Crimson Tide is coming off yet another National Title. Yes, the Tide have lost some of their biggest leaders from last year’s team, but Saban believes in his program and in “The Process.” So do a lot of experts. So do their fans. And so do I.
Preseason Preview: Alabama
Record: 11-1 (7-1)
The Tide has a gruesome schedule ahead of them. They kick off the season in Arlington, Texas against USC (Southern Cal. not South Carolina). Two weeks later they play at Ole Mis, who have beat them in their past two meetings, including when the Rebels were led to victory by the man’s Man himself, Bo Wallace, in one of the most epic upsets of this rivalry.
Then in October, they play at both Arkansas and Tennessee. Alabama’s toughest game, however, will be in Baton Rouge against the LSU Tigers. The Tigers have been itching to get their revenge on the Tide and this year might be the year.
The likelihood of Alabama going undefeated this year is low considering that their toughest games are away and as defending national champions they automatically have a target on their back, but that’s just how Alabama like it.
My prediction is Ole Miss gets Alabama for the third straight year. I think Ole Miss will be fighting for their College Football lives after losing to FSU on opening weekend.
Alabama’s Biggest Strengths:
1. Running Back – How can this be with the loss of Heisman trophy winner Derrick Henry and utility back Kenyan Drake? Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris – that’s how. I mean, was there really any doubt that Nick Saban wouldn’t have top tier talent to replace his star running back? I mean, come on people, give the man some credit. When people doubted Saban could replace Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram in 2011, Trent Richardson filled his shoes, followed by Eddie Lacy, and then T.J. Yeldon. The Tide is nothing if not smash mouth football and 6’2″, 235-pound Bo Scarbrough is a bulldozer. Scarbrough is a once in a generation type athlete and with 5 Star prospect Damien Harris bolstering the position, Alabama will have a backfield that rivals the best in the conference.
2. Receiving Corps – As uncertain as the Quarterback situation is (we’ll get to that later), the receiving corps is set. How can I be so sure you ask? Besides Richard Mullaney, the rest of the receiving corps returns from last year’s surprisingly explosive season. Leading receiver, Calvin Ridley, is looking for another 1,000+ receiving yard season, ArDarius Stewart will be making more highlight reel catches. Also Robert Foster returns from last year’s season ending injury to add even more weapons to Alabama’s arsenal. Even big man, O.J. Howard is back.
3. Special Teams – There was a time when Adam Griffith was the most hated man in Tuscaloosa and maybe even in the state of Alabama. It seemed as though he could kick the ball everywhere on the filed except between the uprights – and who could forget his freshman year Iron Bowl?
Those days seem to be far behind him though. In his junior year, Griffith made 23-32 field goals and all 62 of his extra points. Also, JK Scott is one of the greatest punters in college football.
Biggest Concerns
1. Offensive Line – New offensive line coach, Brent Key, starts off his time at Alabama with a major question mark. With the loss of All-American Center, Ryan Kelly, the Tide’s offensive line is looking for new leadership in the trenches. Even though all charges against Cam Robinson were dropped, Saban has placed his own punishment on Robinson and safety Hootie Jones.
An even more shocking arrest occurred when Senior Alphonse Taylor was arrested for a DUI. While it turns out he had zero alcohol in his system, which seems to be a big missing piece of evidence–this story is far from being finished. Both legal cases take focus off the field, and the ultimate goal of winning a championship.
2. Quarterback – Well, this is the third year in a row now that nobody knows who will start at quarterback for Alabama. Although Lane Kiffin has plenty of talent to choose between with Cooper Bateman, Blake Barnett, David Cromwell, and Jalen Hurts, he simply can’t make up his mind. Bateman feels like a Lane Kiffin type quarterback with plenty of athleticism, which Kiffin utilizes inside the pocket, as well as in the run game, but Kiffin must convince Saban that Bateman is the choice. This is all too familiar. Last year’s turmoil and uncertainty at the quarterback position between Cooper Bateman and Jake “the Snake” Coker continued on into the season. This (in my opinion and many others) gave Alabama their only L to Ole Miss. Will history repeat itself, or will Saban have his answer in August? I think Kiffin already has his answer, but if Saban ain’t happy, then nobody is happy.
3. Defensive Backs – Even though the Tide has most of their starters back they lost a legend, Cyrus Jones. This shut down cornerback was able to cover team’s elite receivers by himself, which allowed Alabama’s secondary to run free and rake up a total of 19 interceptions. Eddie Jackson, who led the secondary with 6 interceptions, will be less likely to go for those riskier interceptions this year with out the safety net of Cyrus Jones.
Top 5 Biggest Losses from 2015
- Kirby Smart – Defensive Cordinator
- Derrick Henry – RB
- A’Shawn Robinson – DT
- Cyrus Jones – CB
- Reggie Ragland – LB
Top 5 Impact Players
- Jonathan Allen – DE
- Calvin Ridley – WR
- Eddie Jackson – S
- Reuben Foster – LB
- Bo Scarbrough – RB
Biggest Game of the Year: at Tennessee
The game on the Third Saturday of October could make or break both teams. Even though they are in different divisions of the conference, this game could prevent either of them from going to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. It is extremely possible that there is a three way race for first in both the East and the West, which means that a second L could end all hopes of being SEC Champ. It is looking as though this is the Vol’s chance to finally win the East and Alabama will have to prove that they are still the big brother in this great rivalry.
