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Alabama

What Needs to go Right

Much like Georgia, Alabama enters the season with uncertainty at quarterback. In order for Alabama to win the West, a clear winner of the quarterback battle must emerge by the time Alabama finishes playing Wisconsin in week 1. Obviously a winner beforehand would be even better, but it is essential before conference play if Alabama is going to return to the SEC Championship game. The other key component of another SEC West Division Title for Alabama is finding offensive play-makers. Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake provide plenty of firepower out of the backfield and help in the receiving game. But Alabama needs a deep threat(s) to replace Amari Cooper and keep defenses honest. O.J. Howard stepping up to clear the middle would be a great start. While that would help the running and passing game tremendously, at least one wide receiver will have to step up and provide a real threat to the defenses of the SEC.

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What Could go Wrong

Jacob Coker was supposed to win the job last year but failed to master the offense. Many assumed after adding the experience he gained in the offense last year, the job would be Coker’s. Coming out of spring practice, however, the quarterback race was and is still wide open. While Coker and redshirt freshman David Cornwell are seemingly leading the race, no one knows with any certainty who will be at quarterback week 3 when the Tide host the Rebels and their Landshark D. If a quarterback fails to step up, the Tide could drop two straight in a series (which has happened only once under Saban). Like Georiga, Alabama drew the two top teams from the opposite division. A loss to Ole Miss followed two weeks later by a road trip to Georgia could have the Tide’s season looking like Georgia’s nightmare too. 3-2 would all but eliminate Alabama from winning the West in 2015.

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