https://athlonsports.com/college-football/sec-coaches-talk-anonymously-about-conference-foes-2019
Alabama
"Maybe the best thing for this year's team was losing that national title game the way they did. They were outplayed, outcoached and got whipped on the lines. Now they're going to reload with the best roster in the league, but Nick Saban has all the motivation he needs."
"I think the coaching staff was an issue last season. The turnover at coordinator and some of those position guys, maybe Saban underestimated that impact on the players."
"Pete Golding could be the next great Alabama defensive coordinator. This is his year to show it."
"They'll be a better defense this year. The secondary was freshman young, and now they're experienced. Pay attention to the competition up front; replacing Quinnen Williams will be key. LaBryan Ray is the next man up there, he'll be really good. Raekwon Davis is an absolute monster. NFL ready."
"If there's a questionable unit, and there really isn't, it might be offensive line. Jonah Williams is a first-round talent. They'll need a new center and it's a new offensive system."
"Kyle Flood was a good pick for OL coach because he’s worked with Sark a while at the NFL level but he knows college linemen."
"I think they’ll miss Josh Gattis, he did a really great job with those receivers. What they return is probably the best in the SEC."
"Najee Harris needs to come out strong and show he can be an actual feature back. It's his backfield."
"What can you say about Tua Tagovailoa? He plays hard, he plays hurt, he's great with pressure and competes his ass off. He's the ideal Saban quarterback."
"This is another national championship team, and they have the benefit of building off of last year's loss. They'll come out angry and focused."
Alabama
"Maybe the best thing for this year's team was losing that national title game the way they did. They were outplayed, outcoached and got whipped on the lines. Now they're going to reload with the best roster in the league, but Nick Saban has all the motivation he needs."
"I think the coaching staff was an issue last season. The turnover at coordinator and some of those position guys, maybe Saban underestimated that impact on the players."
"Pete Golding could be the next great Alabama defensive coordinator. This is his year to show it."
"They'll be a better defense this year. The secondary was freshman young, and now they're experienced. Pay attention to the competition up front; replacing Quinnen Williams will be key. LaBryan Ray is the next man up there, he'll be really good. Raekwon Davis is an absolute monster. NFL ready."
"If there's a questionable unit, and there really isn't, it might be offensive line. Jonah Williams is a first-round talent. They'll need a new center and it's a new offensive system."
"Kyle Flood was a good pick for OL coach because he’s worked with Sark a while at the NFL level but he knows college linemen."
"I think they’ll miss Josh Gattis, he did a really great job with those receivers. What they return is probably the best in the SEC."
"Najee Harris needs to come out strong and show he can be an actual feature back. It's his backfield."
"What can you say about Tua Tagovailoa? He plays hard, he plays hurt, he's great with pressure and competes his ass off. He's the ideal Saban quarterback."
"This is another national championship team, and they have the benefit of building off of last year's loss. They'll come out angry and focused."