SEC Kickoff Preview: Alabama Crimson Tide

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Georgia has dethroned Alabama and is now the king of the SEC. But, don’t count Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide out. The Bama head coach annually recruits elite talent and the cupboard is far from bare. The Tide must replace the nation’s top offensive player (Bryce Young) and defensive player (Will Anderson Jr.). That would cripple most programs. Not Alabama. It won’t be easy. But, there are capable players in the development pipeline to potentially fill the voids left by the two All-Americans. Nick Saban also had to replace his offensive and defensive coordinators. 

This Alabama team may look different than last season’s version. Changes in the offense will be most noticeable. New coordinator Tommy Rees will be calling plays for a new starting quarterback who’s yet to be named. The QB issue is especially notable given Bama’s incredible streak of elite signal callers that include Bryce Young, Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Jalen Hurts. A more detailed, run-focused attack may be the early-season plan. In other words, Bama may simplify and go back to the old Bama by playing offensive bully ball. 

New defensive leadership will be under the direction of Kevin Steele. This most recent move marks Steele’s third stop on the Alabama staff. Much like their offensive counterparts, the Tide has to replace the nation’s top player from 2022. Will Anderson Jr. was a dominant defender that played with a high motor. As you can see, there’s a great deal of new in Tuscaloosa. Let’s get into it. 

OFFENSE

Tommy Rees’ first order of business will be identifying and developing a starting quarterback. Eyes from the college football world will be focused on the Alabama QB room for this precarious competition. Candidates in the race include Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner. 

Jalen Milroe is a 6’2, 220-pound dual-threat quarterback from Katy, Texas. He totaled 297 yards on 31/53 passing with 5 touchdowns and three interceptions a year ago. Milroe also rushed for 263 yards off 31 carries. Ty Simpson maintained his redshirt last season after playing in four contests in which he was 4/5 for 35 yards. Buchner was Notre Dame’s starter who followed Rees from South Bend to Tuscaloosa. 

A veteran offensive line will be led by tackle JC Latham.  The All-SEC performer has support from guard Tyler Booker and center Seth McLaughlin. Both are on preseason all-conference teams. 

Alabama is known for its high-flying pass catchers. WR Ja’Corey Brooks is the Tide’s leader in that department. The 6’2, 195-pound junior tied for third-most in the SEC after scoring 8 receiving touchdowns in 2022. He also averaged a team-high 17.3 yards per reception. 

Running back Jase McClellan was the team’s second-leading rusher in 2022 after recording 655 yards off 112 carries and 7 touchdowns. He also totaled 271 receiving yards, and 3 TD receptions. Roydell Williams added 56 carries for 250 yards in 2022 and provides quality depth.

Best Offensive Player: JC Latham 

JC Latham is entering his second full season as a starter. The tackle played in all 14 games as a true freshman before earning the starting role a year ago. Latham is a future pro. 

Most Important Offensive Player: Seth McLaughlin

I picked Georgia’s center for a similar situation. A new starting quarterback can feel a tad bit lonely in the huddle. Center Seth McLaughlin is a 6’4, 301-pound senior from Buford, Georgia. He was the Tide’s starting center for the second half of the 2022 season. 

A veteran presence at center is exactly what a young signal-caller needs. The center plays a vital role and has the most communication with the QB. He can also act as the QB’s on-field mentor when navigating the ever-difficult Southeastern Conference. 

DEFENSE

Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele is a crafty veteran that’s been around the block a few times. He inherits a talented unit that’s loaded with former 4 and 5-star players. Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry is a preseason All-American. Linebacker Dallas Turner is garnering honors as well. Turner will be joined by senior Chris Braswell who contributed 20 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks last season. 

Hybrid safety/medium Malachi Moore registered 31 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 5 pass breakups a year ago. The senior has played a great deal of snaps over the course of his career. Alabama is expecting sophomore Jaheim Oatis to be a mainstay and disruptive force up the middle. The 6’5, 328-pound nose tackle earned Freshman All-SEC honors in 2022 after starting 10 games. He contributed 29 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 QB sack. My sources around the program feel that Oatis could be the next Alabama defensive lineman All-American.

Best Defensive Player: Kool-Aid McKinstry

McKinstry was first-team All-SEC last season as a sophomore. He’s expected to repeat those honors in 2023. He is considered to be one of the best corners in the nation and a future NFL selection. His 2023 numbers include 16 defended passes, 35 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and an interception. He also acts as the team’s punt returner. 

Most Important Defensive Player: Dallas Turner 

Replacing a legend is never easy. That’s this season’s task for Dallas Turner. Will Anderson Jr.’s departure for the NFL means that Turner will be called upon to be the Tide’s primary pass-rusher. The Alabama defender has played in 28 games and been active throughout his stay in Tuscaloosa. He’s recorded 18 career tackles for loss and 12.5 QB sacks. Turner will demand more double teams in 2023 as his role increases.

2023 Schedule Preview

The Tide’s non-conference slate includes home games against Middle Tennessee, South Florida, and Chattanooga. A road trip to Texas in week two could be interesting especially if QB uncertainties remain after the opener. 

Home SEC contests are against Ole Miss, Arkansas, Tennessee, and LSU. Two of those, Tennessee and LSU, will be revenge games from 2022 losses. Conference road trips include at Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Kentucky, and Auburn in the Iron Bowl. 

2023 Projection: SEC West, 2nd

What Does All This Mean?

Nick Saban is the best to ever do it. This year’s Alabama team has more preseason questions than normal. It starts with the starting quarterback and continues with new coordinators and philosophies. But never doubt who’s in charge. That would be Nick Saban. 

Georgia has leaped Alabama as the SEC and nation’s premier college football program. Kirby Smart is a Saban protégé and has taken the Dawgs to new heights. Bama is playing catch up which is unfamiliar territory for the Tide during the Saban era. Adding to the equation is that LSU’s Brian Kelly has the 2022 West champs trending upward. 2023 is a very interesting season for Alabama for many reasons.