🏈 Noles247.com has a Q&A with Potter from BOL.

[18Champs]

There are more questions through the jump. Here are three that are somewhat original.

Q: Is it safe to say that the secondary can be the strength of Alabama’s 2017 defense? What does Alabama have coming back in the secondary and how has Nick Saban managed to successfully churn out so many interchangeable defensive backs?



A: It could be. But it will need to improve over the course of the offseason and during fall camp. The offense, Hurts and Tagovailoa torched the first- and second-team secondaries during the spring, especially in the first closed scrimmage. The good news for Alabama is it has experienced players in Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ronnie Harrison, Anthony Averett and Tony Brown all returning to starting roles in base, nickel and dime. Where Fitzpatrick lines up and what happens at either the left cornerback or safety position he leaves vacant will be something to watch between now and the opener. Having a versatile guy like Fitzpatrick and many of the other young defenders helps in that process.




Q: What is one area you feel confident Alabama have success in for the season opener against FSU? How about an area you think the Crimson Tide could struggle in?



A: If it can shore up the right side of its offensive line, I think Alabama will have success running the ball in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. But I think that will be the case in every game. The combination of Hurts and the number of backs it has at its disposal will make it difficult to defend for any defense. Struggle? I think that remains to be seen. There are still a lot of question marks on defense, so I would probably lean toward something on that side of the ball.




Q: What’s the general buzz like for this opener? Alabama is no stranger to playing in big-time games to begin the season, but does this have a different feel to it?



A: There’s certainly excitement surrounding it. That was apparent immediately after the spring game. And you’re right, Alabama’s played in a lot of these. Essentially every year. But with this one being a potential 1-versus-2 matchup, the buzz is a little different. Sure, fans would love to see another blowout like the Michigan and USC games of past years that were solid openers on paper, but knowledgeable Crimson Tide fans know what kind of team Jimbo Fisher has put together in Tallahassee. They’re expecting a challenge to get things started.

 

[TUSKtimes]

Actually, I expected a challenge from Michigan and USC too. Bama played like they did, but it was what it was. You never know how teams match up and the one thing I noticed about Fisher's Seminole teams is that they leave their QB on an island. That's a policy that not all teams competing for a championship can live with.