Alabama Crimson Tide 2020 College Football Preview

College Football Predictions – Alabama Crimson Tide 2020 College Football Preview

August 27, 2020

2019 Recap

Record – 11-2

ATS – 7-6

ROLL TIDE posted double digit wins yet again but missed out on the College Football Playoff for the first time. They had the unfortunate task of dealing with the BUZZSAW that was the LSU Tigers and couldn’t beat them in Tuscaloosa (L 46-41). They also fell in an entertaining IRON BOWL (L 48-45), but get full marks for their blowout win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl (W 35-16).

As per usual, ROLL TIDE looks loaded heading into the season, but just HOW GOOD are they? Let’s take a look.

2020 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating

West Division – #1

SEC – #1

Alabama Crimson Tide 2020 Outlook

OFFENSE

The Crimson Tide moved like a TREMENDOUS MACHINE last year and tallied over 500 YPG (511, #6 FBS) whilst scoring a whopping 47.2 points per contest (#2 FBS). Star QB Tua Tagovailoa (71%, 33-3 TD to INT LY) is off to the NFL and it’ll be up to last season’s back-up Mac Jones to take control of the offense. Jones performed well when called upon (69%, 14-3 TD to INT) and recall that he led the team in the win over Michigan (327, 3 TD, 0 INT). Jones will be without outstanding WR Jerry Jeudy who took his skills to the NFL, as well as Sunday-bound Henry Ruggs, but he’ll still have serious weapons to work with in 2020. DeVonta Smith had a phenomenal 2019 campaign (68, 1,256, 14 TD) and is one of the best WRs in college football, and Jaylen Waddle averaged 17 YPC LY and bagged 6 TDs after a fine 2018 season. You know a highly-recruited specimen or two will emerge this year and it doesn’t hurt to have TE Carl Tucker (UNC transfer) at tight end. There’s an embarrassment of riches at RB when you consider that their top-3 RBs return including 1,000-yard rusher Najee Harris (1,224, 5.9, 13 TD LY). THE HITS KEEP COMING when you look at talented and experienced offensive line that returns four starters, and note that Alabama allowed a mere 12 sacks last season (!).

It’s virtually impossible to match last year’s production, but this is still one of the best offenses in the SEC.

DEFENSE

ROLL TIDE played very good, but not great defense last year, but remember they had to deal with some key injuries and played a lot of freshmen. They were a bit weaker vs the run than normal (131 YPG, #7 SEC) but were the #1 pass efficiency D in the conference (15-17 TD to INT). Things look really good this season with an experienced defensive line and a devastating LB corps that returns star Dylan Moses who missed LY due to injury. Only one starter returns on the back end and it’s highly unlikely that the pass defense will be as effective this year, particularly if they have trouble getting PENETRATION. Alabama booked 32 sacks LY which was their lowest total since 2014, and note that they’ll be without three of the top-four sack producers from a season ago.

There’s too much raw talent on board to expect anything less than another solid performance on defense, but this looks like a really good stop unit, and not a “brick wall” similar to what we saw in 2017 or 2016.

SPECIAL TEAMS

WHOA, NELLIE. Return man Jaylen Waddle is one of the most dangerous special teams weapons in the country and is MUST SEE TV with the ball in his hands (24.4 avg on punt returns LY; PR TD, KR TD). The punting situation is a potential fiasco waiting to happen but PK Joseph Bulovas hit 8/11 FG attempts in 2019.

Schedule Analysis

Overall – 10 game season, yo. In addition to playing each of their SEC West counterparts, ROLL TIDE will face Georgia (!) and Tennessee from the SEC East. Missouri and Kentucky should be FREE SQUARES. They face LSU in Death Valley but get Texas A&M, Georgia, and Auburn at home.

Potential ATS Trouble Spot – Kentucky (November 21st)

A sandwich game if there ever was one. This game comes after the yuuuuge date with LSU and before the REVENGE EDITION of the Iron Bowl. They’ll be laying a bundle and we’re don’t think this is a good spot to bet on the home favorite.

Season Win Total

Over 8.5 -105

Over 8.5 -125

MEGALOCKS says:

Our TUSCALOOSA INSIDERS set the line at 8.5 -110 each way. There are some tough games on the docket but we’d still lean OVER. Not on it yet, just LEANAGE at this point.

MEGAmazing Tidbits

Alabama has recorded an impossible TWELVE consecutive winning seasons and won five National Titles in the last five years. Excellence, yo.

MEGALOCKS Outlook:

Alabama with a chip on their shoulder. And a loaded roster. <grabs popcorn>

This is one of the most talented teams in college football despite losing a boatload of players to the NFL draft. The offense should be devastating and the defense will be one of the best in the conference. Look out if they find a couple of pass rushers. They’re our PICK TO CLICK in the SEC West and expect them to make another College Football Playoff appearance. Hot Take.

ROLL TIDE!

Want more Alabama football ?

WEBSITE

https://rolltide.com/sports/football

FORUM

http://tidefans.com/forums/football

http://www.secrant.com/rant/alabama-sports/

http://alabama.247sports.com/Board/Alabama-Crimson-Tide-Message-Board-Forum-116

https://247sports.com/college/alabama/Board/Bama-Board-102338

https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/forums/talk-of-champions.16/

NEWS

http://www.rollbamaroll.com/