After “rebuilding year” in 2021, Tide set to roll in ‘22
Will Anderson addresses the press at SEC Media Days.
In Tuscaloosa and throughout ‘Bama Nation, it’s been an interesting off-season. Alabama fans spend the winter, spring, and summer months thoroughly reflecting upon the previous season before turning the page to the new one on the horizon. Bama has had several off-seasons to reflect on losses in a national championship game (2016 and 2018, both to Clemson), yet this last title loss to Georgia felt different. First, realistic Tide fans knew that Coach Saban’s ‘21 Bama squad was not his most experienced or most talented and most of us knew Georgia was simply a better team.
Struggles against Florida, LSU, and Arkansas, the four-overtime thriller at Auburn, and the loss at Texas A&M illustrated the fact that nothing would come easy to Alabama. Despite the struggles, the Tide still won 13 games, won the SEC Championship, and the Tide handed Georgia their only loss. Quarterback Bryce Young took home Alabama’s second straight Heisman Trophy, and the Tide made the playoffs for the 7th time out of 8 total as well as advanced to the national title game. With an injury-riddled roster, Alabama led in the 4th quarter before bowing to the Bulldogs in their backyard to conclude a 13-2 campaign. For most college football programs, this would be defined as a dream season. At Alabama, 2021 was considered a down year, or “rebuilding” year as Sir Nick recently put it…tough life for followers of the Crimson and White.
Finebaum took a rare shot at Saban over the rebuilding year comment…but he can stuff it.
Standing on the edge of the 2022 season, optimism and excitement are high in Bama Nation. Both coordinators along with twelve starters (5 on offense, 7 on defense) and both kickers return. In addition, a host of proven back-ups, another stellar recruiting class, and a proven group of transfers sets the table for a dangerous Tide squad in ‘22. Throw in the Heisman Trophy winner in Young and the player that many believed should have won the award, junior linebacker Will Anderson, and Alabama is poised to return to the mountain top. In addition, the motivation of coming up 10 minutes short in the national title game could mean trouble for the rest of the country in ‘22.
Offensively, despite losing key members of the ‘21 team to the NFL and to the transfer portal, Bama appears loaded once again on the offensive side of the football. As a unit, the offense ranked 7th nationally and 2nd in the SEC last season. Headlining the unit will be junior quarterback Bryce Young, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. Young dazzled in his first year as a starter, tossing 47 touchdown passes against only 7 interceptions, yet he “struggled” (relative term) in the playoffs, throwing 3 of his 7 picks against Cincinnati and Georgia. His two interceptions against Georgia marked the only time Young has thrown multiple picks in one game. The receiving corps took a hit with the departure of superstars John Metchie and Jameson Williams, while steady Slade Bolden has moved on to the NFL as well. Stepping in are transfers Jermaine Burton (Georgia) and speedy Tyler Harrell (Louisville). They join sophomores Ja’Corey Brooks, JoJo Earle and junior Traeshon Holden. Keep an eye on freshman Aaron Anderson, who has a chance to break into the lineup. Senior tight end Cameron Latu, who caught 8 touchdown passes in ‘21, returns as well.
Jahmyr Gibbs is expected to play a large role in the Bama offense this season, and is already being placed by many pundits in the top 3 running backs in the SEC. (Photo via: Dalton Daily Citizen)
Leading rusher Brian Robinson has moved on to the NFL, yet as always, the Tide will have a stable of running backs capable of taking over games. Headlining the group is Georgia Tech transfer Jahmyr Gibbs, who has drawn rave reviews from his new teammates. Steady junior Trey Sanders is poised for a breakout season. In addition, the Tide will welcome back juniors Jace McClellan and Roydell Williams, both who were having terrific sophomore seasons before suffering season-ending knee injuries. Highly touted true freshmen Jamarion Miller and Emmanuel Henderson will vie for time as well. The biggest liability of the ‘21 unit was the offensive line, and this group looks to make the biggest strides coming into the opener against Utah State. Three starters return (center Darian Dalcourt and guards Javion Cohen and Emil Ekiyor ) while the tackle positions will most likely be manned by Vanderbilt transfer Tyler Steen and sophomore JC Latham, a prized recruit from the 2021 class. Dependable Will Reichard, who has hit on 40 of 49 field goals in his Alabama career, returns for his senior season, and punting duties will fall on sophomore James Burnip, who will need to improve on his 39-yard average from a year ago.
The Tide defense returns 7 starters and looks to get back to the days of old when the Bama stop troops were dominating. The unit ranked 7th nationally last year and they certainly had their moments in ‘21, however they could not get key stops in the 4th quarter of both losses. After recording a ridiculous 17.5 sacks a year ago, junior linebacker and Heisman Trophy candidate Will Anderson is a terror and will lead a deep, hungry unit. Sophomore Dallas Turner (8.5 sacks) returns at the other end to form the best bookend duo in the country. Linebackers Henry To’o To’o and Chris Braswell are experienced and ready for big seasons. Bolstering the line will be seniors Justin Eboigbe, DJ Dale, and Byron Young. At times, Bama struggled on the back end in ‘21, however, the secondary is experienced and looks to be a strength of the defense. Seniors Jordan Battle and DeMarco Hellams return at the safety positions and are backed up by junior Brian Branch and sophomore DeVonta Smith. LSU transfer corner Eli Ricks was a huge addition to the Tide roster. Sophomore Kool-Aid McKinstry and senior Khyree Jackson logged significant time last year in the secondary and will help Ricks man the corners. Overall, the defense is experienced and deep at every position, which is a tribute to the brilliance of the Alabama recruiting machine.
The schedule is manageable, with home contests against Texas A&M, Mississippi State, and Auburn. A few tricky road games will challenge the defending SEC champions, including Texas in Week 2, Arkansas and Tennessee in October, and LSU in November. Bama opens at home against Mountain West champion Utah State on September 3rd.
Football is here Bama nation. ROLL TIDE!