🏈 Alabama is already great, but just wait until next year

[TUSKtimes]

Not much to cover this bye week, except perhaps some false bravado emanating out of baton rouge. Projecting the success of next year's Bama team is intriguing, especially given some of the key losses on defense and how many of our 3-year players leave early. One super positive everyone can take note of is the impression our future talent is making on the media in general. The talent waiting in the wings and the freshmen and other youngsters making major contributions this year is getting national attention and I thought it interesting how they see the future.

ESPN: Just wait until next year

 

[94 Grad]

Hurts has completed just 13 of 35 passes that have traveled 20 yards or more through in the air.

Augghh.... hoping this improves by end of this year, but most definitely by start of next year. Teams already can't cover Ridley... just think if we could actually hit him on the deep ball. My gosh would this team be truly deadly. I'm excited for this offense next year, but a bit worried on the Defensive side of the ball... However, it's so far away, no need worrying about it now

 

[252BAMA]

After missing 22 of the 35 passes that have traveled 20 yards or more, Hurts has probably run for 20 yards or more on the next play.

 

[rick4bama]

I will say this some, not all hit the players in their hands.

 

[94 Grad]

After missing 22 of the 35 passes that have traveled 20 yards or more, Hurts has probably run for 20 yards or more on the next play.

NO doubt... I'm just excited to see what this offense can/could do when he starts to click on the longer passes, because Ridley has been uncoverable this year and we have him for another year! If you go back and watch the 22 view of the games, you'll see Ridley open deep often... he's really an amazing route runner and has blistered the DBs so far this year.

 

[Crimson&WhiteGecko]

Just a thought.... IF Kiffin leaves for greener pastures next year, I was thinking that we get the Texas Offensive Coordinator who will be job searching next year. That dude is awesome.

 

[NickelDoubleDog]

Just a thought.... IF Kiffin leaves for greener pastures next year, I was thinking that we get the Texas Offensive Coordinator who will be job searching next year. That dude is awesome.

Sarkisian is the next OC.

Saban wouldn't go for the Art Briles offense anyway.

 

[TUSKtimes]

It was mentioned that our spread concepts are much more representative of the type that the NFL teams are running. Our concepts sound more complicated, particularly the passing progressions. Perhaps another reason Hurts is slowly working his way through the playbook.

 

[EasyTider]

What a testament to our recruiting if people are thinking we are going to be even better next season. With what we should have back on offense, it seems 2017 could/should be the most dynamic offense EVER at Alabama. If Hurts takes the next step at becoming a better passer, OMG. I'm not even contemplating the fact that #1 player/RB is currently 'verbally' committed along with other top recruits that are likely to make significant contributions.

On defense, CNS, Pruitt and the rest of the defensive coaching staff have work to do. We have talent galore (potential) but we are going to have to replace a great deal of (proven) talent in 2017. The offense should carry us all season and the defense will get better every week, but if this team is better on D next season then holy schitt! Now that I look at the list below, only replacing the guys on front 7 make me wonder if 2017 can't really be that much better. Of course I didn't think we could replace last years front 7 and be as nasty, but so far so good.

What we are losing (likely). These are players I consider contributing enough to be missed. Some may argue D. Ball but he has provided Dline depth.

DEFENSE
Eddie Jackson
Reuben Foster
Ryan Anderson
Dakota Ball
Dalvin Thomlinson
Tim Williams
Jonathan Allen
Marlon Humphrey (??)

SPECIAL TEAMS
Cole Mazza
Adam Griffith

OFFENSE
Gehrig Dieter
Alphonse Taylor
OJ Howard
Brandon Greene
Cam Robinson (?)