Alabama football suffered two regular-season losses in 2022, which led to the program being left out of the annual College Football Playoffs. With two new coordinators, a handful of impactful talent gone and a difficult schedule, many fans believe the Crimson Tide’s time at the top is beginning to end.
The dynasty is not over just yet. Alabama won a national championship in 2020, win the SEC in 2021, appeared in the 2021 national championship and defeated a conference champion in a New Year’s Six bowl game. Oh, and the disappointing 2022 season? The Tide finished with a ranking inside the top five.
The point I’m trying to prove is that fans and analysts can say just about anything, but that doesn’t make it true.
Adam Rittenberg of ESPN recently put together “Future Power Rankings” for all of college football over the next three seasons. Alabama is second behind the defending back-to-back national champions, the Georgia Bulldogs.
There were multiple factors in determining this ranking. Future quarterback ranking (5), future defensive ranking (4), future offensive ranking (4) and future team ranking (1).
“Alabama slides off of the top spot but finds itself only one rung behind Georgia,” writes Rittenberg. “There are some short-term questions after two coordinator changes and a murky quarterback outlook, but Alabama will remain an annual title contender as long as coach Nick Saban patrols the sidelines. The team’s 2023 recruiting class, one of the best since ESPN started ranking them.”
Rittenberg goes on to explain that the ongoing three-man quarterback battle could be cause for concern, but that the offensive line appears to be solid and will be able to protect whoever the starter will be. The defense is lining up to be the highlight of this team, which could help make up for an offense that might need some time to get going.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to cover Alabama football as the 2023 season approaches.
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