Why Alabama Will Win It All...

Last week I laid out some potential pitfalls that could derail the Tide on the way to national title #16. Now it's time to put on the crimson glasses, take a sip of that delicious Kool-Aid, and discuss all the reasons that we are not only likely to succeed, but virtually assured to hoist that newfangled trophy in mid-January. That's right folks, this is a no-negativity zone. Let's all put on our houndstooth hats, play "Yea, Alabama!" on loop and Gump shamelessly. You know you want to.

 

The Players

In case you have somehow failed to take note of the last 7 recruiting classes, this will be the most talented team Nick Saban has ever assembled.

Projected Depth chart with recruiting rankings:

Offense
Position	Name	Star
QB	Blake Sims/Jacob Coker	4
RB	TJ Yeldon	5
RB	Derrick Henry *Co-starter	4
WR	Amari Cooper	4
WR	DeAndrew White	4
WR	Christion Jones	4
TE	OJ Howard	5
LT	Cam Robinson	5
LG	Arie Kouandjio	4
C	Ryan Kelly	3
RG	Alphonse Taylor	3
RT	Austin Shepherd	3
Defense
Position	Name	Star
DL	A'Shawn Robinson	5
DL	D.J. Pettway	4
DL	Brandon Ivory	3
LB	Denzel Devall	4
LB	Reggie Ragland	4
LB	Ryan Anderson	4
LB	Trey DePriest	4
CB	Cyrus Jones	4
CB	Bradley Sylve	4
SS	Landon Collins	5
FS	Geno Smith	4

 

Offense average star ranking = 4

Defense average star ranking= 4.09

No team in the country can match this level of talent, and this is leaving off the multiple five star recruits from the '14 class who will likely see significant roles this season. The optimistic gump in us all knows 'Bama is loaded for bear and looking for redemption. A reckoning, even.

.

 

The Schedule

We've already previewed each SEC opponent on Alabama's schedule and the overwhelming opinion is that no team in the SEC can match Alabama, at least on paper.

Florida Gators

I am going with 21-6, as I think the Bama running game will put points on the board while the Tide defense stumps a Gator O still trying to find its way. This is a dangerous game, but it's one that Alabama should win.

Ole Miss

Bama will win by a score of 28-10. Freeze won't repeat his mistakes and pass up scoring chances, while the young Bama defense will need a series (and a punch in the mouth) to get their legs under them. Otherwise, the Ole Miss side of the scoreboard could likely end up the same as in last year' game. Ole Miss is salty...just so happens Alabama is too after a disappointing end to 2013. Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide with a chip on its shoulder and something to prove...that's just a beautiful thing, y'all.

Arkansas

Alabama will start out slow but slowly take over and shut down a spirited Arkansas team 49-10.

Is it too early to lite em up? Yes, but only 'cause the Process© says so.

Texas A&M

The Aggies will show some fight and spirit early but they don't match up well with Bama on many fronts. Insufficient funds for aTm. Bama rolls 45-6.

Tennessee

Tennessee hasn't scored more than 17 points against Alabama since hanging 51 points on the Tide in 2003 and I don't see any hope of that changing in 2014. Tennessee still can't match Bama in the trenches and Alabama has the advantage at nearly every position battle on the field (WR vs DB's, RB vs LB's, DL vs OL).

Final Score:

Alabama 41 Tennessee 14

LSU

Though young, Bama's defensive line and linebacker depth is almost unmatched in all of college football but you have to give LSU the nod in the secondary.

Does this slight edge equate to a win for Alabama? No, but it at least allows me to comfortably pick the Tide to win three months in advance.

Final score: 28-17

MSU

I am also relatively confident that the Bama defensive front will dominate in the trenches. Given the depth and talent of the unit, and the struggles of the behemoth Bulldog O line, this could be a real treat to watch. If the defense can adequately pressure Prescott, I have a feeling he'll revert to his old ways and begin to flounder in the passing game. It is at that point that the Bulldogs' fate will be sealed, as a Bama defense with its ears pinned back, attacking aggressively, is a scary, scary thing.

Bama should win the game by a closer-than-comfortable margin of 28-20. Roll Tide

Auburn

What I want to see happen is another 2008, 2011, or 2012. I want to see Alabama once again dominate Auburn for four quarters, leaving no doubt of which team runs the State of Alabama. Unfortunately, trying to predict a game 18 weeks in advance, as we saw last year, is a fools errand.

But to err on the side of caution, I will follow my gut which tells me Alabama pulls out the win 34-21.

The History

If the level of talent and schedule aren't enough to get your gump juices flowing, perhaps a reminder of 2009 and 2011 will help.

2009

Coming off back to back losses in the SEC CG and Sugar Bowl in 2008, Alabama rides first time starter and relative unknown quarterback Greg McElroy to a 14-0 perfect season and a national title.

2011

After a 2010 season where the team faced early injuries and entitlement issues that led to three losses, one at the hand of arch rival Auburn, 'Bama rode once again a first time starter in AJ McCarron to a 12-1 season and a national championship over fellow SEC West foe LSU.

Cause for Confidence

Confidence is defined as having belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities. As the Tide faithful, what reasons do we have to doubt? Are we not the universally envied Crimson Tide of Alabama- Dixie's Football Pride? Hath we no pluck and grit? Do we still believe?

Alabama will win it all, restoring order in the college football universe. Roll Tide.