| 2. Alabama Crimson Tide |
| #1 in SEC |
It feels lazy, but going in a different direction just feels phony. Two programs have separated themselves from the pack right now, and while Georgia and Ohio State are right at the doorstep, Alabama and Clemson remain a cut above. So really, it's just a matter of which one I like more right now. On paper, Alabama seems a notch below, but we know the talent is there, we just aren't fully familiar with it yet. Where else in the country can you lose 8 starters off defense, and not even be slightly worried but in Tuscaloosa? The Tide had the best defense in college football last year, and while there is no reason to think they can't get back there again, there are a lot of new faces, particularly in the secondary. When I say questions, again, it's all relative, as we are talking about why I have them #2 and not #1. Despite having three players selected in the draft along the line, I expect that to be the strength of the unit, which usually bodes well. That unit is anchored by a pair of ends who will certainly be selected in the 2019 Draft, but the very best Saban lines have had a maneater in the middle. DaRon Payne left early for the NFL, so that remains a bit of a question mark. Redshirt sophomore Quinnen Williams likely fills that void, and while you lose about 35 pounds compared to Payne, Williams appeared in all 14 games last year, with 7 of his 20 tackles being for loss, the highest percentage on the team. In terms of NFL talent, I think Alabama's secondary last year may have been Saban's best, so there was going to be some drop off. But you rarely see a defensive positional group in Tuscaloosa with this many questions. The projected starting four COMBINED for 41 tackles and 1 interception last year. They were also all 4 or 5 star, top 115 recruits, and they add true freshman Patrick Surtain Jr., the top rated high school defensive back, to the mix. So don't shed a tear for them just yet. Damien Harris made a surprise decision to return to Alabama, as his back, Bo Scarborough left early. Harris was able to hit 1,000 yards last year, while still having his carries limited to under 10 a game. Najee Harris is a more than capable backup. Where both could improve is in the pass game, where Scarborough was the best of the bunch, and earned his playing time. Quarterback is all kinds of interesting. Jalen Hurts spent most of the year on Heisman Watch short lists; he finished 7th nationally, and 2nd in the SEC in total QBR; he was second on the team, and #12 nationally among quarterbacks in rushing. Yet he found himself benched in the National Championship Game, and one comeback later, he's a backup quarterback. Everyone assumed a transfer was coming, but the fact is, he's not really a backup, Alabama will play two quarterbacks. They have the schedule to do so. Their typical early season NFL Stadium marquee game, is a little less marquee this year with a Lamar Jackson-less Louisville. They don't play a team I have ranked in my top 38 until they host Mississippi State on November 10. Ole Miss is their second toughest road game, after LSU (#41). In other words, the third string quarterback might get more playing time in the first 9 games than either Tua Tagovailoa or Jalen Hurts. The early departure of Calvin Ridley leaves whoever is under center without a proven target. Ridley led the team with 63 receptions. No other receiver or tight end had more than 14.
Key Players| RB | | Damien Harris, Senior |
| T | | Jonah Williams, Junior |
| C | | Ross Pierschbacher, Senior |
| . | |
| DE | | Raekwon Davis, Junior |
| DE | | Isaiah Buggs, Senior |
| LB | | Mack Wilson, Junior |
