Alabama Crimson Tide College Football 2019 Season Preview

The Alabama Crimson Tide lost last season’s national title game to the Clemson Tigers 44-16. Nick Saban is back as head coach, but seven new coaches will take over as Alabama attempts to take back control of college football following its loss to Clemson.

Offense

The Tide will return most of its electrifying skill players on offense led by Heisman Trophy favorite quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, but the running game will be this season’s unknown until the opening kickoff. Tagovailoa threw for 3,966 yards, 43 touchdowns and six interceptions while playing in the fourth quarter just once during the regular season.

Jerry Juery returns to anchor the receiving corps while Henry Ruggs II and Jaylen Waddle have speed to burn and will create even more matchup problems for opposing defenses. Najee Harris gets his chance to shine at running back for the Tide and his speed and power could make the running game tough to stop. Defense

Defensively the Tide has many holes to fill as several players have moved onto the NFL. Raekwon Davis will anchor the line and his athleticism could make him one of the top players in the nation. LaBryan Ray and Phidarian Alfano will help anchor the front four. Dylan Moses returns as top linebacker with the most experience, but will have Markail Benton, Ale Kaho and Joshua McMillion as reserves from last season stepping into starting roles.

The secondary returns Trevon Diggs and star Patrick Surtain II at the corners, and Xavier McKinney will take over at safety. Shyheim Carter could start at safety as well, and will also be considered at Star position as the unit’s fifth defensive back during nickel and dime alignments. The secondary looks to be as good if not better than last season’s unit as experience at the corner will be the key.