The Alabama Crimson head into the 2022 season motivated to avenge last year’s disappointing closure. The Crimson Tide last in a rematch against the Georgia Bulldogs in the final round of the college football playoff. Throughout the 2021 campaign, they struggle with conference opponents such as Florida, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Auburn, and LSU.
However, they did enough to become a part of the playoff conversation again. The Crimson Tide has only missed the competition in the postseason only once since it was first introduced in 2014. Out of the six playoff appearances by the Crimson Tide, Alabama has won the national title three times. In the offseason, there were a lot of arrivals and departures that would affect the program.
Bama lost three of their best wide receivers to the NFL, such as Jameson Williams, John Metchie, and Slade Bolden. In addition, the New York Giants took a key member of their offensive line Evan Neal with the seventh pick in this year’s draft. But with Alabama, we all know that head coach Nick Saban will always have a plan to replenish what was lost the previous year.
Previewing Alabama’s Offense
As previously stated, Alabama lost three of its best wideouts to the ranks of the NFL. But the players they bought in from the transfer portal look promising. Jermaine Burton, a wide receiver part of last year’s national title run with the Georgia Bulldogs, entered the transfer portal and joined the Crimson Tide.
In addition, Tyler Harrell, another transfer portal prospect out of Louisville, will join Alabama’s receiving core as well. Both players are expected to impact the Crimson Tide’s passing attack this season. In addition, former Georgia Tech tailback Jahmyr Gibbs is expected to be the leading rusher for Alabama’s vaunted rushing attack. Gibbs rushed for 746 rushing yards and four touchdowns with the Yellow Jackets last year.
Quarterback Bryce Young is the primary catalyst for everything to click for the Crimson Tide offense. The defending Heisman Trophy winner is coming off a season in which he threw 4,872 yards, 47 TDs, and seven interceptions. However, he will have a chance to go out on top in what potentially looks like his last year with the program. Young is a projected top quarterback selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Previewing Alabama’s Defense
A player to keep a close eye on for this upcoming season will be linebacker Will Anderson. Anderson finished fifth in Heisman voting last year, recording 17.5 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss. He is listed as one of our darkhorse candidates that could win the Heisman this year. Anderson’s fellow teammate, Dallas Turner, returns to the team for the 2022 campaign. Turner and Anderson will be trouble for any offensive line to deal with in the Southeastern Conference. In the secondary, safety Jordan Battle will be their most experienced player. He recorded 85 tackles and three interceptions in 2021. Former LSU Tiger Eli Ricks and Khyree Jackson will battle for the second cornerback spot opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Important Games for 2022
Texas: September 10
Arkansas: October 1
Texas A&M: October 8
LSU: November 5
Win-Loss Projections: 12-0 (National Title Contender)
Nick Saban and the Tide tend to bounce back whenever they come off of a disappointing finish from the previous year. 2022 will be no different. Expect the Alabama Crimson Tide to be in contention for the national title this season.
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