Without a shadow of a doubt, Alabama Crimson Tide are the strongest college football team in the business. Led by the experienced Nick Saban, Alabama were once again the dominant force in college football in 2017/18 - the Crimson Tide emerged victorious against the 13-1 Georgia Bulldogs in January's National Championship game. Another triumph on the big stage could be on the cards in the upcoming 2018/19 campaign...
Bama fans are excited at what the future holds, especially after Amari Kight announced his commitment to Alabama. Currently ranked as the 13th offensive tackle in the 2019 class for recruitment, Saban has added another key figure to his front unit and quarterback Jalen Hurts will now have plenty of protection. With three stud offensive linesmen in Bama's 2019 recruitment class, Saban is well on the way to building the strongest unit during his tenure.
Hurts looks destined for greater things and the 2016 SEC Offensive Player of the Year will be looking to make a positive impression ahead of the 2019 NFL Draft. But winning the starting role back after he was benched during the Championship game will be tough. Whether it is Hurts or quarterback rival Tua Tagovaiola, Alabama will be primed for a title challenge and a number of key performers will head to the professional game at the end of the campaign.
According to 247Sports, Alabama have had 77 players drafted into the National Football League since 2008. Only Louisiana State University have come close; 72 of their stars were selected for a professional franchise. The mental aspect of playing at Alabama sets players up perfectly for the step up to the National Football League - there is a different mentality to playing at Alabama than there is at most other colleges.
Bama lost just one regular season game in 2017; to SEC rivals Auburn in November. It looks like the two West Division teams will be battling it out for supremacy once again this year - both won seven of their eight conference games and another tough campaign lies ahead. One of Alabama's biggest strengths is how quickly they start football matches. In 2017, the Crimson Tide outscored their opponents 135-16 in the first period; a major reason for their success.
The Crimson Tide have traditionally ranked as one of the top tier teams in college football and that is not going to change in 2018/19. However, Alabama could see a slightly different approach at Bryant-Denny Stadium next season. Saban himself has hinted at a huge year for Alabama's push rush - breaking a few long-standing college records is the primary target for this Crimson Tide defensive front.
Alabama just keeps churning them out...Nick Saban is the best talent acquirer of all time
- Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 27, 2018
As of April 30, Alabama are a +225.00 chance in Betway's college football betting markets to go on and retain their National Championship crown. This organisation is used to succeeding on the big stage and dealing with favouritism is par for the course. Saban will use all of his experience and knowledge to keep his players grounded; securing another title will be their primary objective ahead of the 2018/19 campaign. Anything less than a Championship triumph usually means a bad season for Bama.
With Saban still at the helm and very much calling the shots, Alabama should flourish once again. He will go down in history as one of the greatest NCAA football coaches of all-time and Crimson Tide fans will be sad to see him leave. At 66 years old, Saban is showing no signs of slowing down though - it depends on whether the right NFL position opens up for the former Miami Dolphins head coach at some point. For now, he is still very much committed to Alabama Crimson Tide.
Alabama have featured in the last three National Championship games and another trip to college football's showpiece event looks likely this year. The Crimson Tide continue to lose players to the professional sport but their ability to churn out fresh talent on a regular level is unrivalled. Saban's men will cope with change ahead of the new campaign and it would be a huge shock to see Alabama fall short in their pursuit of glory.
Alabama Set to Defend CFP National Championship Crown Next Season? to SEC Football
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