Question marks, ‘Bama fatigue’ make Alabama polarizing in 2023

Alabama isn’t done despite many college football fans’ hopes. On a recent episode of “The Hard Count,” On3’s JD PicKell broke down the stigma around Crimson Tide football ahead of the 2023 season.

“There is a little bit of Bama fatigue around them, which is why people, I think, are a little bit trigger-happy when it comes to calling Bama down for the count,” PicKell said. “I’m not saying that I have complete confidence in Bama going forward, and they’re going to be a national title contender and all that. I’m just saying, I think all the question marks around Bama are fair, and they’re unavoidable, but you also have to do some deeper research.”

The research shows Alabama will be dangerous this season. Head coach Nick Saban snagged seven five-star prospects, 19 four-stars and two three-stars in Alabama’s 2023 recruiting class. Additionally, the team brought in five transfers in the offseason.

Nonetheless, there are undeniable holes Alabama still must fill. The Crimson Tide are 125th in the nation in returning production. For reference, there are only 133 FBS teams.

“If you couldn’t get it done with Bryce Young at quarterback, and with Will Anderson off the edge, No. 1 overall pick in the draft and another first-round draft pick on defense. How in the heck are you going to do it with a question mark at quarterback and two new coordinators? Like, how is this going to work?” PicKell said.

His questions are valid. With three viable options in the QB room, Alabama still does not have a clear-cut leader for its 2023 offense. Moreover, whoever does eventually win the position will be under new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.

Although Alabama has no shortage of issues, it also has the trump card: Saban.

“I wouldn’t bet against Nick Saban. I wouldn’t do it,” PicKell said. “I’ve seen this too many times. Everyone says, ‘Saban’s done. Bama is done. The dynasty is over. Good run for them.’ And then, would you know it, he pops back up and wins a national title.”

Since the College Football Playoff was created in 2014, Alabama has never gone three years straight without winning it all. Saban and Co. last won it all in 2020. PicKell isn’t sure Saban can pull out an old trick this season, but he isn’t putting it past him.

“When it comes to Nick Saban, a lot of people want to say that he’s done. It’s not the first time. The beautiful thing is that we get to see.”