JessN: Preview 2020: Alabama Crimson Tide

[JessN]

Preview 2020: Alabama Crimson Tide
by Jess Nicholas | TideFans.com Editor-in-Chief

Fall Previews - A Covid Reality

Offense Overview: For once, some rare continuity for Alabama’s offense, as Steve Sarkisian returns to coordinate the offense after a mostly successful first full year in the seat. With Tua Tagovailoa gone, a veteran offensive line returning and perhaps the deepest, most talented stable of running backs any NCAA team has fielded since the institution of the 85 scholarship limit, it would seem the 2020 Crimson Tide might be a bit more physical and direct in the running game. But a veteran wide receiver corps and depth at the quarterback position give Sarkisian a host of options at his disposal.

Returning Offensive Starters: 7 (SE, TE, RT, RG, LG, LT, RB)
Returning Defensive Starters: 5 (DT/E, NG, WLB, MLB, RCB)
Returning Specialists: 2 (PK, P)
Projected Overall Record: ...

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[Padreruf]

Preview 2020: Alabama Crimson Tide
by Jess Nicholas | TideFans.com Editor-in-Chief

Returning Offensive Starters: 7 (SE, TE, RT, RG, LG, LT, RB) Returning Defensive Starters: 5 (DT/E, NG, WLB, MLB, RCB) Returning Specialists: 2 (PK, P) Projected Overall Record: 10-0 Projected SEC Record: 8-0 Projected SEC West Record: 6-0 Ratings (Ex, Vg, Av, Fr, Pr) Quarterbacks: Vg Defensive Line: Vg Running Backs: Ex Linebackers: Vg […]

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Don't you mean Christian Harris at ILB ? Christian Miller has graduated.

 

[JessN]

Don't you mean Christian Harris at ILB ? Christian Miller has graduated.

I do it every year. This time even while telling myself "don't use the name of the guy that left." Did it anyway.

I was already on my second edit because I spent half the Special Teams section calling Sam Johnson "Sam Williams" after a guy in my town who used to teach pottery classes -- and it would have been doubly unfortunate had I not caught it, because there's an Ole Miss linebacker named Sam Williams who was arrested on some serious charges last year.

 

[imauafan]

As we said in the offensive overview, there likely has never been a time, since the inception of the 85 scholarship limit, when any Division-IA program had a deeper and more talented group of running backs.

That is a very strong statement that I hope is true. I like our RB's but I'm not sure I would rate them the best group since the 85 scholarship limit began.

 

[Rush]

I do it every year. This time even while telling myself "don't use the name of the guy that left." Did it anyway.

I was already on my second edit because I spent half the Special Teams section calling Sam Johnson "Sam Williams" after a guy in my town who used to teach pottery classes -- and it would have been doubly unfortunate had I not caught it, because there's an Ole Miss linebacker named Sam Williams who was arrested on some serious charges last year.

Can Sam the pottery teacher kick?

 

[JessN]

That is a very strong statement that I hope is true. I like our RB's but I'm not sure I would rate them the best group since the 85 scholarship limit began.

It's based more on top-to-bottom depth. You just don't find many teams with seven scholarshipped running backs these days, regardless. Then add in the recruiting rankings of the ones who are here and it becomes plausible.

Obviously they'll have to back it up on the field, but the potential is definitely there.

 

[Krymsonman]

Thanks Jess, seeing your annual review makes it almost, (repeat, almost), seem like things are a little normal again. As usual, a great write-up, especially when I'm not familiar with a lot of the young guys coming up. Krymsonman

 

[Tug Tide]

I do it every year. This time even while telling myself "don't use the name of the guy that left." Did it anyway.

I was already on my second edit because I spent half the Special Teams section calling Sam Johnson "Sam Williams" after a guy in my town who used to teach pottery classes -- and it would have been doubly unfortunate had I not caught it, because there's an Ole Miss linebacker named Sam Williams who was arrested on some serious charges last year.

Love the write up, but hate to be that guy.
Bulovas is a Joseph not a Joshua. Although we could use some divine intervention in the kicking game

 

[gtgilbert]

Are Braswell and Braxton also maybe mixed up? I thought Braxton was inside and Braswell was outside, although I wouldn't be shocked if one of the three 5 star olbs from the 2020 class shifted inside.

 

[JessN]

Are Braswell and Braxton also maybe mixed up? I thought Braxton was inside and Braswell was outside, although I wouldn't be shocked if one of the three 5 star olbs from the 2020 class shifted inside.

I mentioned Bratton also competing inside; as for Braswell, he was outside at least last week but I think he ends up in inside eventually. If they end up not making that move with him, I'll address it later. I don't think we're going to see either one of those guys this year regardless unless we really have some Covid-related roster nightmares.

 

[BamaMoon]

Jess, would love for you to talk a little more about the QB competition and how you'll think it'll shake out thru the course of the season.

 

[bamamick]

Great write up. Thank you, Jess. Interesting about the couple more guys who may opt out. Charlie Scott, eh? If he can average 41 ypp how is he not the winner in this battle by a landslide? Geez.

rtr

 

[DrollTide]

Thank you! This article is the official start of Pontification Season, and I love it.

 

[sanjosecrimson]

a couple of things, losing Benton was actually not a bad thing. I never saw a LB in a Bama uniform as lost as he was .
this is the most complete Bama team since 2015.
the RB, OL WR, DL, and LB are perhaps the deepest and most talented units anywhere in the country.