Jahmyr Gibbs, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
Alabama’s football team, led by Nick Saban, will be among the best in the country this season.
Despite losing to Georgia in sad circumstances in Indianapolis, the Alabama football team is expected to bounce back and have another fantastic season this fall.
The Crimson Tide may not be getting any younger, but the Crimson Tide will continue to be a national championship contender as long as the sport’s greatest head coach is still on the sidelines. Even though making it back to the College Football Playoff would be a big deal, this team should be judged a failure if they don’t win the national title.
Now that we’re well into the offseason, here are three questions the Crimson Tide must address.
Alabama football: Three offseason issues the Crimson Tide must solve. How big of a role will Jahmyr Gibbs play in the ground game?
This summer, the Crimson Tide made a few huge moves through the transfer portal, none more so than luring running back Jahmyr Gibbs away from Georgia Tech’s Ramblin’ Wreck. The native of Dalton, Georgia, could be the key to the Crimson Tide’s victory over the Georgia Bulldogs in Atlanta. Gibbs, on the other hand, will now be given the entire SEC schedule.
In theory, playing with better players will bring out the best in Gibbs. He has Jase McClellan, Trey Sanders, and Roydell Williams to comprise a capable backfield for him.
Alabama, on the other hand, isn’t going to keep beating teams like Georgia and Ohio State if the Crimson Tide can’t control the clock with a consistent ground game. Gibbs is under a lot of pressure, but he needs to be prepared.
Gibbs has a chance to be an All-SEC First Teamer if he hits the ground running like most people anticipate him to.
Alabama’s football team, led by Nick Saban, will be among the best in the country this season.
Despite losing to Georgia in sad circumstances in Indianapolis, the Alabama football team is expected to bounce back and have another fantastic season this fall.
The Crimson Tide may not be getting any younger, but the Crimson Tide will continue to be a national championship contender as long as the sport’s greatest head coach is still on the sidelines. Even though making it back to the College Football Playoff would be a big deal, this team should be judged a failure if they don’t win the national title.
Now that we’re well into the offseason, here are three questions the Crimson Tide must address.
Alabama football: Three offseason questions the Crimson Tide must answer
3. What kind of impact will Jahmyr Gibbs have on the ground game?
This offseason, the Crimson Tide made a few big moves through the transfer portal, none more so than luring running back Jahmyr Gibbs away from the Ramblin’ Wreck of Georgia Tech.
The Dalton, Georgia native could be the main reason the Crimson Tide defeats the Georgia Bulldogs in Atlanta. However, Gibbs will now be given a full SEC schedule.
In theory, playing with better players will bring out the best in Gibbs. He has a capable backfield in Jase McClellan, Trey Sanders, and Roydell Williams.
However, Alabama will not be able to beat teams like Georgia and Ohio State three times in a row if the Crimson Tide is unable to control the clock with a consistent ground game. Gibbs is under a lot of pressure, but he has to be ready.
If Gibbs performs as expected, he has the potential to be an All-SEC First Team selection.
Will Anderson, Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
2. Who fills the void left by key offseason departures in Alabama’s receiving corps?
The depth of the Crimson Tide’s receiving corps was a significant reason for their dominance a year ago. Who will fill the void left by players like Jameson Williams, John Metchie III, and Slade Bolden leaving for the NFL, as well as Agiye Hall leaving the program via the transfer portal? This collegiate season, to whom will Bryce Young rifle the pigskin?
It’s huge to add Jermaine Burton to the transfer portal after he turned on Georgia. Ja’Corey Brooks, the Iron Bowl MVP, is still on the roster, as is tight end Cameron Latu.
The Crimson Tide could be golden in the receiving department if receivers like JoJo Earle and Traeshon Holden can play up this fall. It certainly helps having the reigning Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback.
The receiving corps may regress a touch, but Alabama will benefit from a more well-rounded offense.
1. Can Bryce Young and Will Anderson raise their game even higher?
With Young at quarterback and Will Anderson as an all-world pass-rusher out on the edge, Alabama is fortunate to have two of the top players in the sport on their team heading into next season.
If everything goes according to plan, they should be top-10 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. The question is whether they can build on their outstanding second seasons and raise their game to new heights.
Young’s size will be a deterrent to NFL Draft scouts, but he has a good chance of being the first repeat Heisman Trophy winner since Ohio State’s Archie Griffin in the 1970s.
Anderson might be the first non-quarterback selected in the draft next year. Anything less than a unanimous All-American season will be a letdown for him. This team must be carried by them.
Young and Anderson will leave Alabama as victors if they live up to their great expectations.
