It’s uncommon to see the Alabama Crimson Tide be excluded from the College Football Playoff. It is even more shocking to see a team led by the reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young and one of the best defensive players in the FBS to not make the CFP. The biggest problem with the Tide this 2022 season was the lack of preparation. Also, having the mental fortitude to overcome setbacks in games. The 45-20 win over the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2022 Sugar Bowl was a good start to the eventual off-season rebuild that head coach Nick Saban will make for upcoming the 2023 college football season. There are several outside media outlets and outside noise that not only is Alabama’s dynasty over but so is Saban’s ability to win a national championship. Saban has shown he can shed that doubt because he has accomplished it in the past.
Is Alabama One of the Biggest Threats in 2023?
Alabama Rebounded for the Playoffs Once Before
This 2022 season is not the first time that Alabama missed the CFP. In the 2019 season, Alabama lost to the eventual national champions the LSU Tigers and the Auburn Tigers. Many media outlets believed that the Saban dynasty concluded in Alabama. The Tide lost their star quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, their best blocker in Jedrick Wills, one of their key receivers in Jerry Jeudy, top two-star pass rushers in Terrell Lewis and Anfernee Jennings, and their defensive leader in Xavier McKinney.
The Tide returned with a vengeance the following season with new quarterback Mac Jones, a premier pass rush in freshman Will Anderson Jr., and wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who finished his senior season by winning the Heisman Trophy. Alabama, who started the 2020 season at #2, won by an average of 29.5 points per game. All 13 games were power five teams, while only one was within a one-possession score. The Tide dominated No. 3 Ohio State 52-24, with Smith out for the second half of the game. Just as Alabama was counted out from being a threat for the national title, it dominated its way to the top of college football.
The Future of Alabama Beyond the 2022 season
Alabama losses key players as they declare early for the 2023 NFL Draft. Among the players who have declared are Young, Anderson, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, safety Brian Branch, linebacker Henry To’oto’o, and cornerback Eli Ricks. Safeties Jordan Battle and Demarco Hellams, defensive tackle D.J. Dale, and right guard Emil Ekiyor Jr. also depart for the NFL.
Saban will lose a lot of key talent throughout the field, but it is something he is used to accomplishing since he became head coach in 2007. The Tide will have an experienced and eager group of young wide receivers. As well as several offensive linemen who have developed throughout the season. On the defensive side of the ball, edge rusher Dallas Turner and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry will be juniors and the leaders. Both players had tremendous 2022 seasons and will likely look to boost their 2024 NFL Draft stock next year.
The biggest question for the Crimson Tide will be the quarterback battle. Alabama will either turn to former four-star dual-threat redshirt freshman Jalen Milroe or former five-star freshman quarterback Ty Simpson. There could a chance that the starting quarterback for the 2023 season is currently on the roster. The Tide also has four-star quarterbacks Eli Holstein from Zachery, Louisiana, and Dylan Lonergan from Snellville, Georgia. These are quarterbacks in the 2023 recruiting class that have signed their letters of intent.
Final Word for Alabama in 2023
Alabama has a busy off-season as they prepare for the 2023 season. One of the goals is to decide what to do with the offensive and defensive coordinators. There are reports that defensive coordinator Pete Golding could leave for the same position at Ole Miss. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien could be leaving for the same position with the New England Patriots. One thing is sure: with Saban coaching the Tide, Alabama will always be a threat for a championship title.
