Alabama Football 2023 Preview: Way too early season prediction, key matchups, Players to watch, roster, and more
The Alabama Crimson Tide football is a storied program with an illustrious history in the NCAA. The team has established itself as one of the most successful and dominant in college football over the course of time, claiming an unparalleled 18 national championships.
The program's last championship title came in 2020 when they defeated Ohio State 52-24 in the national championship game at the Hard Rock stadium. Alabama has struggled to reclaim the title ever since. In this article, we take a look at what the upcoming 2023 season holds for the Crimson Tide.
Alabama Way Too Early Season Prediction
Following two seasons that concluded the way they wouldn’t have wanted, the Alabama football team is determined to reclaim its previous dominance in college football. The team finished with an 11-2 record last season but failed to make the playoffs.
However, the Crimson Tide finished the season with a Sugar Bowl victory over Kansas State at the Caesars Superdome. As the 2023 season approaches, Alabama football carries a sense of high anticipation and a firm belief that they will once again secure a spot in the playoff.
Nonetheless, many analysts believe the program might end up not winning the SEC West for the second straight year when the 2023 season opens up. The program has lost many of its key players such as Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr. and will face an uphill task replacing them.
Key Matchups for the 2023 Season
The Crimson Tide start their season with three non-conference schedules. They will be up against the Texas Longhorns in a non-conference matchup` on September 9. This is a massive tie for both programs in what will be the second game of the season.
The Crimson Tide will also face Ole Miss in their first conference game of the season. The tie between the two has always yielded crazy games. They will also play on the road at Texas A&M while ending the season with the Iron Bowl against in-state rival, the Auburn Tigers.
Roster Analysis
Alabama boasts a formidable defense this season, arguably the strongest they have had in years. On the other hand, their offense presents a myriad of uncertainties, especially in the quarterback position. A potential contender for the starting quarterback is Tyler Buchner, who transferred from Notre Dame.
Buchner's performance at Notre Dame was relatively average, but his familiarity with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees could give him an advantage. Furthermore, the defensive secondary has undergone significant changes with departures and additions through the Transfer Portal, resulting in a complete revamp of the unit.
Coaching Staff and Strategies
Nick Saban is widely regarded as the most legendary modern-day coach, with an impressive record of six national titles under his belt at the program. Alabama's preseason ranking at number four is largely attributed to its historical dominance and the strength of its talented defense.
The arrival of new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees brings speculation about potential changes to the Crimson Tide's offensive approach. Although it remains uncertain whether he will deviate significantly from the strategies employed by his predecessors, Steve Sarkisian and Bill O'Brien.
Additionally, the team has a new defensive coordinator, Kevin Steele, who has a notable background as a pressman defensive coach. It will be intriguing to witness how Steele's defensive philosophy aligns with Alabama's advanced defense.
Final Thought
Fueled by the determination to bounce back and the confidence instilled by the coaching staff, Alabama aims to demonstrate its prowess once again. They will put in a strong fight to make the playoff, setting their sights on reclaiming the biggest title in college football.
Head coach Nick Saban, armed with a talented core of returning players, is also set to welcome the nation's foremost recruiting class from this cycle. With a combination of seasoned athletes and promising newcomers, the Crimson Tide is poised to reestablish their winning ways.
