SEC Football - 2021 Alabama Crimson Tide Preview

Our Alabama Crimson Tide preview 2021 finds that once again this team will be massively competitive. Last year, the Tide ranked first in the SEC in both offensive points at 48.5 per game and in defensive points allowed at 19.4. The thing is this team, which is always in the national spotlight, makes a habit of ensuring every unit on both sides of the ball is equally prime. In the past four seasons, they’ve won two national championships. Will this season be any different?

Alabama Offense

Bryce Young takes over at quarterback, replacing superstar Mac Jones. Young, a sophomore and five-star recruit, is talented. He’ll be looking to connect with junior John Metchie III. Last season, he recorded 55 catches for 916 yards and six scores. Still, the Tide must replace premium wideout DeVonta Smith. Last year, Smith made 117 catches, scoring 23 TDs. Slade Bolden comes back having made 24 catches while tight end Jahleel Billingsley made 18 catches. He scored three times. There’s talent and quite a few young, inexperienced players on this unit.

There’s a slew of potential and talent at running back but very little experience. Brian Robinson Jr. returns having made a large majority of returning player carries last season. He made 91 carries for 483 yards and six scores. Like the other groups on this side of the ball, someone will have to make up for Najee Harris and his 1,466 yards and 26 TDs. Although the offensive line is young, it includes numerous top recruits. Once the season starts, it should be primed and ready to go.

Alabama Crimson Tide Preview 2021 - Defense

The good news is the defense returns eight starters. The frontline is experienced and deep. Alabama has not had an outstanding D-line since 2018 when Quinnen Williams played for them. There are numerous possible breakout candidates up front, including D.J. Dale and Justin Eboigbe. Byron Young is another solid performer. Last season he posted 5.5 TFL.

The LB unit includes Christopher Allen and Will Anderson Jr. Last season, they recorded seven and 3.5 TFL respectively. Allen also posted 41 tackles, six sacks, and five QBH. Anderson had seven sacks and eight QBH. Christian Harris is another solid force, making 79 tackles and recording 4.5 sacks, 3.5 TFL, and six QBH. The secondary includes corner Josh Jobe (11 PBU), Malachi Moore (4 TFL, 6 PBU, 3 INTs) at Star, and strong safety Jordan Battle (3 TFL, 4 PBU, 1 INT).

Specialists

Our Alabama Crimson Tide preview 2021 observes that placekicker Will Reichard is back, and that will greatly help this team’s quest for another championship. Last season, Reichard connect on all 84 extra points and each of his 14 field goals. Troy transfer Jack Martin will punt. Last season, he averaged 40.6 YPP, placing nine-of-25 within the 20. Both punt and kick return spots are open.

Alabama Crimson Tide Preview 2021 - Projection

This team does have a tough schedule. However, our Alabama Crimson Tide preview 2021 cannot call it daunting. They play Miami, Florida, Texas A&M, and LSU. All teams in the top tiers of their divisions. So much of their success hinges on how well Bryce Young plays. Then again, Alabama has been here before, and they’ve tended to rise to the occasion. We think they will once again. Last season, Alabama was 13-0, taking the SEC title game, the Rose Bowl, and the CFP Championship. Repeat and rinse?

SEC Football - Alabama Crimson Tide 2021 - Predictions:

• First Place - SEC West

• Cotton Bowl (CFP) vs. Ohio State

• National Championship vs. Clemson