FSU football fans want to know what to expect from the Crimson Tide – so we went straight to the source over at Bama Hammer.
In just a matter of days, FSU football will be in the battle of the year (which is odd considering it will be the first week of the season) when they take on the Alabama Crimson Tide inside of Atlanta’s brand new Mercedes Benz Stadium. By now, all the talking has gotten to the point where fans and players are ready to kick things off in a battle of top three ranked teams.
Over the last decade, the Crimson Tide have been the gold standard in the world of college football, winning four of the last eight national championships while playing for another. Even the most confident FSU football fan knows it is going to be a battle for the Seminoles if they are going to get out of Georgia with a victory.
While we here at Chop Chat know all there is about the Seminoles, we decided to go straight to the source when it came to the Crimson Tide. We talked to the crew over at FanSided’s Alabama site, Bama Hammer, led by site expert Ronald Evans about several questions we had before Saturday.
No. 1 – What is the biggest strength Alabama has when facing FSU and where is Alabama most vulnerable to FSU and why?
Evans: Biggest Strengths: Depth at running back and linebacker. There is some doubt that Josh Jacobs will be healthy enough for FSU but the other three Tide running backs will be fresh in the fourth quarter. If needed another freshman running back could play. At linebacker Alabama has three 5-Star backups. Again all the Tide linebackers will be fresh in the fourth quarter.
Biggest Weaknesses: Right Tackle, Place-kicker and one inexperienced cornerback
No. 2 – What should FSU fans expect from Alabama offensively with their new offensive coordinator? What are they trying to accomplish on offense? Any chance we’ll see two quarterbacks?
Evans: We don’t know what to expect from the new offense. Saban has not shown much in the spring game and fall scrimmages. I believe Saban wants a balanced offense using the best skills from many offensive options. Best guess for new looks is swing passes to the backs and more throws to tight ends.
On the two quarterbacks, offensively this is Jalen’s team. Tua Tagovailoa has a few designed packages. He will not redshirt this season so he might play but there will be no alternating quarterbacks.
No. 3 – The Crimson Tide lost some studs on defense, but basically reloaded like normal with plenty of talent. Who are the names to watch on that side of the ball aside from stars like Minkah Fitzpatrick?
Evans: Alabama lost some great players on defense but I think the 2017 defense is faster than last season. The edge rushers Christian Miller and Terrell Lewis will be better than Tim Williams. Nose tackle, Da’Ron Payne and Inside linebacker, Rashaan Evans are as good as anybody in the nation. Cornerback Anthony Averett could be a NFL first-round pick.
Raekwon Davis and Isaiah Buggs on the defensive line have had great fall camps. Left tackle Jonah Williams will be a first round pick.
No. 4 – Alabama has been in some big games since Saban took over, but none bigger than this to start the season. Do you think the Tide has more pressure on them than others may think to avoid an upset by the Seminoles?
Evans: This is a great question but under Saban no one in Crimson and White thinks about other teams and worries about upsets. FSU is respected as a quality opponent worthy of mention in national championship conversations.
Next: Top FSU Football Wins Over Florida and Miami
Alabama football teams relish pressure but the source of that pressure going into 2017 is the chip on Tide shoulders for failing to repeat as a national champion. I hate to sound arrogant and certainly mean no disrespect to FSU but September 2 is mostly the next game after a bitter disappointment.