Alabama was the most interesting program last year and continue to be the most interesting in the offseason. They land the number 1 recruiting class.. again. They dominated the Sugar Bowl.. again. They won 10 or more games this season.. again. So we should expect another dominating year for the Tide, except for one glaring detail. Alabama has a giant question mark at quarterback for the FIRST time in almost a decade.
The last time a back up had to step up due to injury was Mac Jones. In both instances, Bama found a solid answer at quarterback. We knew going into 2020 that Mac Jones would be more than capable of leading the offense with Tua’s departure. This year is going to be different.
Despite landing five star quarterback Ty Simpson, the Tide called on Jalen Milroe to take over after Bryce Young’s injury. It’s Bama, right? They’re back ups can start on other teams. Milroe didn’t play horribly, but he certainly didn’t look like Mac Jones. With Bryce Young’s departure, it leaves.
What you get with Jalen Milroe is a great runner and an underwhelming thrower. If the read is there quickly and shorter than 15 yards, he can make sharp throws in tight pockets. If you make him think, he’ll either run, under throw the deep ball, or hold the ball too long and take a sack. He managed 111 yards, threw an interception and fumbled twice.
What the Experts Think about Alabama
We took a four poll sample of respected sports media and found something interesting. Fox and ESPN have Bama ranked 5th and 6th respectively, which shows hesitation that this will be the same ole’ Bama. 247 Sports and the Bleacher Report have them at Number 2. Which tells me they think Bama will still be dominate despite their question mark at quarterback. Either way you look at it, they both say one thing, Alabama will be good.. really good.
Best Case Scenario: 11-1
Bama will still have talent and lots of it. Losing Will Anderson to the draft and Henry To’o’To’o won’t slow them down. If they have weaknesses it’s at Linebacker and Offensive Line. They addressed the O-Line with a five star recruit at tackle and oh by the way, they recruited a five star EDGE rusher to provide depth on the defensive front. Bama’s struggles are always on the road, which won’t be an issue this year. Tennessee and LSU will have to come to Tuscaloosa and face a touch challenge.
Jalen Milroe might not be Bryce Young, but with a Spring under his belt as a starter, the coaches could very well shore up those weaknesses. Ty Simpson will be contending for the position which could turn out to be the answer to that question.
Whether they answer the quarterback question or not, the SEC West is no cake walk. Texas A&M showed it’s legit with a huge win over LSU at the end of the year. Brian Kelly showed everyone that LSU is on the rise with an unexpected run to the SEC Title game. Auburn just hired the last coach to hand Saban back to back losses while they were a dominant force. They’ll drop at least one in the SEC West.
Worst Case Scenario: 9-3
Let’s say that Jalen Milroe is the same quarterback we saw against the Aggies last year. Let’s say he turns the ball over, can’t throw it deep and slows down the offense. Given Alabama’s schedule, that still puts them in good position for a New Year’s Six Bowl. Their out of conference schedule is highlighted by Texas who’s inconsistent. The Tide won’t be able to keep up with Tennessee if Milroe is putting up less than two hundred yards a game. LSU’s defense will cause him major problems despite the talent they have at wide receiver. Then you’ll see them drop one to an SEC West opponent who plays their game of the year.
Not the type of season Tide fans like to see, but even this scenario might only happen this year.
Is Alabama still, Bama?
Until I see evidence to the contrary, I still see the Tide as one of the best five teams in the country. Georgia is by far the dominant force. They are playing on another level. However, Bama is still loaded with talent and has the greatest college football coach of all time walking the side lines. The only question is, how long can he continue the grind?