Will Anderson Jr. discusses his leadership and mentality regarding the upcoming 2022 season
Will Anderson Jr., burst onto the scene as a true freshman for the Crimson Tide in 2020 when he accumulated 52 total tackles seven sacks and forced one fumble. While Tide fans were prepared for the emergence of “The Terminator,” he caught a lot of people by surprise when he became the best defensive player in college football in 2021 posting 31 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks.
Aside from being totally and utterly dominant on the field, one of the most remarkable things about Anderson though is the head he has on his shoulders. He is a leader by example, he loves to be coached, he believes in Coach Saban’s process, and he continues to strive for improvement every day on and off the field.
When Anderson was asked if he had reached his full potential yet he said, “I still haven’t reached my full potential yet. Last year was a great year, but I feel like there is always room for improvement.”
Anderson has the relentless pursuit of greatness in him and as a result, he’s never been one to shy away from his weaknesses as a player. Anderson shared with the crew, “The first thing I did when I walked into Saban’s office was say I know the good, just tell me what I need to work on, how to be a better player than I was last year.”
Coach Saban has always been very vocal and emphatic in his appreciation of Anderson. Anderson said for him personally a big moment was when Saban held him and Bryce Young after the national title press conference to praise their work ethic and the pillars they are in their community.
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Emil Ekiyor describes the Alabama “participation trophy” in dining room
If you play for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide, odds are you are a motivated athlete. Alabama offensive linemen, Emil Ekiyor, explained to the media that there is a participation trophy in the Tide’s dining room. The trophy says “runner-up” and “Indianapolis” on it, the site of the National Title loss against Georgia.
It’s supposed to question if you’re okay with being in second place, or do you have the drive that it takes to be a champion? A constant reminder that second place isn’t the standard in Tuscaloosa.
Every time you enter the dining room it is supposed to be a painful reminder of the loss to the Bulldogs and what it will take to avenge that game.
Emil Ekiyor explains the participation trophy Alabama has in its cafeteria to remind them of the way last season ended 😯 #RollTide
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Here’s 5 reasons Alabama will win another National Title
Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide are chasing the program’s nineteenth national title this season, and his seventh with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Saban returns one of his most talented rosters to date, so it isn’t wild to think that he will ascend to the peak of the college football world once again.
As of right now, it seems like a four-team race for the national title alongside Clemson, Georgia and Ohio State. Of those four, one had a down year, one won a national title and the other was loaded with young, inexperienced talent, a situation the Crimson Tide found itself in, as well.
Here are five reasons the Tide stands alone at the top and will get another national title in 2022.
Sporting News predicts Alabama to make another National Title appearance in 2022
The Alabama Crimson Tide has won three out of the eight college football playoff national championships to date, with another two champions coming from fellow SEC schools, LSU and Georgia.
With one of the best quarterbacks and rosters in program history, anything short of a playoff appearance will be a disappointing season in the eyes of the Crimson Tide faithful. Fortunately for them, it’s hard for anyone to imagine the Tide not finishing the season among the top four.
Bill Bender of Sporting News predicted all of the bowl and playoff games for the upcoming 2022 season, including a third consecutive playoff birth for Alabama.
Bender projects that the Crimson Tide will meet up with a familiar foe, the Clemson Tigers, in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. After beating Clemson, Bender thinks that they will face the Ohio State Buckeyes for all of the marbles in the 2022 national title game.
Ohio State would love a chance to get some revenge on Alabama after the smacking the Tide put on them in the 2020 national title game when Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith posted the absurd stat line of 12 catches for 215 yards and three touchdowns all in the first half.
Do you think Nick Saban can capture number eight this season?
Ranking all of the SEC coaches 1-14 from worst to first.
The SEC is loaded with some of the best coaches in the entire country right now, from national title winners such as [autotag]Nick Saban[/autotag] and [autotag]Kirby Smart[/autotag] to fiery competitors that everyone in college football loves like [autotag]Lane Kiffin[/autotag] and [autotag]Mike Leach[/autotag].
Over the last 16 years, the conference has won twelve of those national titles. The stakes are high and if you don’t win you will you not be around for long. Ed Orgeron, former head coach of LSU, won a national title on Jan. 13, 2020, and “parted ways” on Oct. 27, 2021.
While guys like Saban, Smart, and [autotag]Jimbo Fisher[/autotag] are here, who have won national titles, the conference still has a few guys trying to turn things around.
2009, 2011, 2012, and 2015 all had an offense built around a pro-style quarterback and a solid running game. Let’s dig deeper.
When you take a look at the 5 national championships that Alabama has won since Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa in 2007, all but one have one major thing in common. What is it you ask? The offensive game plan.
2009, 2011, 2012, and 2015 all had an offense built around a pro-style quarterback and a solid running game. Let’s dig deeper.
In 2009, Alabama’s quarterback was Greg McElroy who went 198/325 for 2,508 yards, 17 TDs, and 4 interceptions. The backfield for Alabama was led by Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram as well as Trent Richardson. In 2009, Ingram ran for over 1,600 yards and Richardson had over 750 yards himself. There were only three games where Alabama had more passing yards than rushing, and even in those games, the margins were pretty close. In the national title game against Texas, McElroy only had 58 yards passing, while Alabama, led by Ingram, had over 200 yards rushing to win the national title. For the season, the Crimson Tide attempted 601 rushing plays while only attempting 346 passing plays.
Nick Saban and Alabama after beating Texas on Jan. 7, 2010. (Photo: Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)
In 2011, Alabama’s quarterback was AJ McCarron who went 219/328 for 2,634 yards for 16 TDs and 5 interceptions. Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy, and Jalston Fowler were the 3 main running backs who helped lead Alabama to a comeback victory over LSU to win the 2011 National Championship. Although the Tide has 6 games with more passing yards than rushing, the margins were still, very close. Alabama ended up attempting 508 rushing plays, and only 357 pass plays.
Nov 12, 2011; Starkville, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback A.J. McCarron (10) pitches the ball to running back Trent Richardson (3) during the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium Stadium. Alabama defeated Mississippi State 24-7. Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
The following year in 2012, McCarron was still the starting quarterback, but now Alabama had two incredible and dominant running backs in the backfield: Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon who both recorded over 1100 yards that season. Lacy had 1,322 yards and Yeldon had 1,108 yards. Incredible. McCarron finished the season with over 2,400 yards passing, 30 TDs, and only 3 interceptions. Alabama once again showcased its dominance on the ground as the Tide had 5 games with more passing than rushing and finished the season with 570 rushing plays and 328 passing plays.
Dec 1, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback A.J. McCarron (10) hands the ball off to running back Eddie Lacy (42) against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter of the 2012 SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
The 2015 national championship season was led by Jake Coker, a Florida State transfer who became known and loved by Alabama fans, especially after winning the Tide’s first national title since 2012. He recorded impressive numbers as he went 263/393 for 3,110 yards, 21 TDs, and 8 interceptions. But even with his impressive numbers, the Tide excelled on the ground. Led by Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake, the Tide was unstoppable. Henry finished the season with 2,219 yards and 28 TDs on his way to winning the 2015 Heisman Trophy. Although the Tide had more yards passing than rushing, it was only by 500 yards. And there were over 200 more attempts rushing than passing.
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) runs with the ball against Michigan State Spartans linebacker Darien Harris (45) defensive end Joel Heath (92) and cornerback Arjen Colquhoun (36) in the third quarter in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Those 4 years were “run it down their throat” football. Then came dual threat quarterback Jalen Hurts, and after him came Tua Tagovailoa.
Both of these quarterbacks changed the offensive setup at Alabama, especially Tagovailoa.
In 2016, Alabama still had more attempts at rushing than passing, but a lot of that was due to Hurts’ ability to be a dual-threat quarterback. By the end of the season, Hurts had 2,780 yards passing for 23 TDs and 9 Int. He also had 954 yards rushing for 13 TDs. The Tide had 3 main running backs in 2016 that dominated: Bo Scarbrough, Damien Harris, and Joshua Jacobs.
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) reacts after an Alabama touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
2017 was the season the change truly began for Alabama. Hurts led Alabama to the national championship where Tagovailoa took over in the second half and won with the infamous “2nd and 26” game ending touchdown. Statistically, the stats were similar to 2016. Hurts finished the season with over 2000 yards passing and 800 yards rushing for 25 total TDs.
Jan 8, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches the game-winning touchdown during overtime against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2018 CFP national championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
But once Tagovailoa took over in 2018, things changed.
In 2018, it was the first time since 2010 that a single Alabama running back didn’t record over 900 yards. Some seasons such as 2012, even 2 running backs had over 1,000 yards rushing. It didn’t seem like a huge change at the time, but looking back, it was. Tagovailoa finished the season with 3,966 yards passing and 43 touchdowns, the most passing yards since Blake Sims in 2014. Alabama running back Damien Harris was the leading rusher that season with 876 yards and 9 TDs. Although there were more attempts rushing, Alabama almost had 2x the amount of passing yards than rushing yards.
Dec 29, 2018; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) reacts after a touchdown against the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2018 Orange Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
In 2019, Alabama once again had almost double the passing yards than rushing yards. Tagovailoa endured a season ending injury, but still managed to record 2,840 yards passing for 33 TDs and 3 interceptions. Mac Jones also recorded 1,503 yards passing for 14 TDs and 3 interceptions. On the ground, Najee Harris did rack up over 1,200 yards rushing, but it was far less than previous years. It was very evident Alabama was relying on their passing game more than the running game.
Even when Alabama won the national title in 2017, the Tide was still able to record more rushing yards than passing. Sure, a lot of that had to do with Jalen Hurts, but Damien Harris also had 1,000 rushing yards, even with Hurts’ 855 rushing yards.
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide team members huddle during the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
All of that to say this, Alabama is used to winning national titles under Nick Saban with a pro-style quarterback and with a dominant running game.
You can see a clear difference in the Tide’s season last year. Before Tagovailoa got hurt, Alabama always had more passing attempts than rushing. But with Mac Jones as QB1, all but one game had more run plays than passing.
People have continued to doubt and criticize Mac Jones, but in all honesty, he could be the guy to help Alabama win it all.
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
People forget that it was Jalen Hurts who led Alabama to the national championship in 2017, it was just Tagovailoa who sealed the deal in the second half.
Mac Jones is a great quarterback. There were so many moments last season where we saw his ability to be a great leader and passer.
Jones handled the task as well as anyone could have in such a position. Sure, there were mistakes, but, overall, even his teammates were impressed and confident in Jones’ playmaking abilities. But Jones was never given the credit he deserved. Throughout the season, he was simply labeled and seen as “Tua’s backup.” Even CBS’ announcers would continue to say several times a game, “Jones is no Tagovailoa.” They’re right, he’s not. But there’s nothing wrong with not being Tagovailoa.
Nov 30, 2019; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones (10) reacts after a three-point attempt is good during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
By end of the season, Jones had a quarterback rating (186.8) that ranks as the highest of any returning signal-caller (minimum four starts) in the SEC for 2020, which is amazing considering his only four starts were this past season.
When you take into consideration the fact that Alabama will have a quarterback in Jones who we know can throw the ball deep downfield with the backfield they have returning led by Najee Harris, this season has the vibes of 2015, maybe even 2012. Both times, McCarron and Coker had impressive stats, but so did the running game, and honestly, that’s what Alabama needs to get back to.
There’s no denying that Bryce Young is a great quarterback, but I think Jones is the guy for the job this year. Maybe Jones will have an incredible performance like Jake Coker did in 2015, or maybe Young will come in and replace him as QB1.
Oct 19, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws a pass as Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Darrell Taylor (19) applies pressure during the second half of an NCAA football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Only time will tell.
But Alabama has the tools they need to win a national title this year. They have incredible talent returning on both sides of the ball along with an impressive signing class.
I wouldn’t be shocked if both Najee Harris and Mac Jones are Heisman contenders this season. And you can look for this to be Harris’ best season, by far.
Regardless, this is going to be an epic season to watch. And who knows, maybe, just maybe, Alabama will rise to the top once again as the best college football team in the country.
Jan 8, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates after catching the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2018 CFP national championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN recently listed Texas as one of the best squads to compete since 1935 that did not win a national title that season.
There have been many dominant teams over the years who just couldn’t seem to close out the season on a high note.
ESPN recently released a list of the top 25 teams since 1935 who failed to win a national title that season. Unfortunately, Texas made the list at No. 13.
It’s a year that’s tough to stomach around Austin, but one that was too impressive to ignore. The Longhorns went 12-1 in 2008, defeating Oklahoma and Oklahoma State while dominating other opponents.
However, a brutal last-second loss to Texas Tech forced Texas out of national title contention. ESPN’s Bill Connelly even went as far as stating that this team was better than the team that Texas fielded in the 2010 national championship.
“The 2008 season produced one of the most perfectly framed arguments of the BCS era. Texas beat Oklahoma 45-35, defeated an excellent Oklahoma State team and won nine other games by an average of 47-14. But the Longhorns lost an all-time thriller to Mike Leach and Texas Tech, and when OU obliterated that Tech team a few weeks later, it gave the Sooners the smallest of BCS formula edges. The two teams were almost perfect equals that year — a best-of-seven series between them would seemingly go the distance every time — but only one could advance, and it wasn’t the Horns.
So be it. But this team was dynamite. Colt McCoy completed 77% of his passes, Quan Cosby and Jordan Shipley combined for 2,183 receiving yards and Brian Orakpo spearheaded an opportunistic defense. The Horns would make the national title game the next year, but this was the better team.”
Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree provided Texas with one of the most painful college football moments in history. If the Longhorns were to squeak by the Red Raiders, there’s not doubt we would have all benefited from witnessing a Colt McCoy vs. Tim Tebow national championship matchup.
