🏈 Five teams that could derail Alabama’s Playoff hopes

[Max]

Jake Coker’s 45-yard dime to Calvin Ridley in the middle of the end zone was Alabama’s third touchdown over a four-minute span and effectively hammered a stake through the Bulldogs’ hearts at Sanford Stadium.

Alabama was back and Mark Richt’s days numbered on a rain-soaked afternoon in Athens.

Ten consecutive wins later including another victory in the national championship game and we’re still doubting the Crimson Tide’s dominance. According the ESPN’sPreseason Football Power Index for 2016, LSU and Tennessee both have a better shot at winning the SEC this season than Alabama.

Come again?

Maybe the Crimson Tide’s statement last season wasn’t resounding enough for preseason prognosticators. What does Alabama have in store for its encore performance in 2016? Getting past these five opponents during the regular season won’t be easy, but necessary to add to its expansive trophy case.

1. USC- season opener
2. Ole Miss
3. Arkansas
4. Tennessee
5. LSU

Five teams that could derail Alabama’s Playoff hopes

 

[TerryP]

Arkansas and LSU are the two teams I'm keeping on my radar for the fall. That's based on the one 'concern' I have leaving spring camp; how this defense is set up in the middle and with SDH playing in regular.

Along the line in 2015 they were shuffling Robinson, Reed, Payne, Allen, Tomlinson, Lake, and Hand. Right now, looking at the fall, that line-up (proven experience) looks like Payne, Allen, Tomlinson, and Hand.

Frazier offers an option but he needs to lose weight. There's potential, and realized potential. The staff believes he "has it in him," but he hasn't matured to the point he's giving it all on every play.

Dwight looked good, at times, during the scrimmage. He's got his own consistency issues as well. He's certainly not on the same level as those getting the vast majority of the snaps.

Kendall Jones has lost some weight, but still has more to shed. Raekwon could help this season, but he's got his issues (hopefully qualifying isn't going to be one though rumor has it he may be headed for a 'shirt to get his first year of school under his belt.)

My fingers are crossed on Jamar King. But, he's still an unknown.

All of that eventually points backwards and the spotlight falls on SDH and how well he acclimates into that run stopping interior linebacker.

 

[TerryP]

I know I've mentioned him a time or four here but one guy I'm watching is Josiah Coatney. As of today, nothing is expected (in terms of commitment announcement) until he graduates from JUCO in May. There's more than one school in the mix with Ole Miss folks feeling good about their chances.

(It's my hope that Coatney looks at what most considered a sure first round pick with Nkemdiche and how little he was developed when he was in Oxford. Asking, or hoping, a kid has the maturity to look long term may be a wish upon a prayer in today's age.)

 

[BamaFan334]

I'm worried about LSU and Tennessee. LSU has an athletic team, and athletes just playing ball can pose problems. Tennessee has been getting some players, and they are simply due for one.

 

[sean]

i was thinking more along the lines of:

denver broncos
seattle seahawks
new england patriots
carolina panthers
green bay packers

big talk? certainly.

conceited? most probably.

but i'm neither a fan or a coach, so i can say it without too much backlash. what i say or do doesn't concern the team (meaning the players, coaches, and staff).

 

[UAgrad93]

Until LSwho can prove that they have developed a QB, I see them as too one dimensional and can be stopped. Arky will have to rely on the run game as well, since they are breaking in a new QB. I know that it is the little brother to the kid just departed, but experience is lacking. Our depth at D line, like @TerryP said, is my only concern. The Viles may eventually slip up and win one against us, but I don't think it will be with Dobbs at QB or with Butch Jones as the HC.

 

[bama alum]

Until LSwho can prove that they have developed a QB, I see them as too one dimensional and can be stopped. Arky will have to rely on the run game as well, since they are breaking in a new QB. I know that it is the little brother to the kid just departed, but experience is lacking. Our depth at D line, like @TerryP said, is my only concern. The Viles may eventually slip up and win one against us, but I don't think it will be with Dobbs at QB or with Butch Jones as the HC.

Agree!