3 Reasons Alabama Actually Won't Take a Step Back in 2020

LSU might have bragging rights across all of college football given their championship season, but Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide aren't going anywhere anytime soon, even as the likes of Tua Tagovailoa and Jerry Jeudy leave for the NFL. There are several factors that will be a major part of the Tide's resurgence next year, as they will once again challenge for an SEC and national title.

3. A Weak Schedule

While Alabama has to go on the road to play LSU, their schedule is otherwise relatively easy for an SEC giant. Their non-conference games are Kent State, Georgia State, FCS school UT-Martin, and USC, which is a program being held together by duct tape. They play Georgia, Texas A&M, and Auburn next year, but all those games are at Bryant-Denny Stadium. With only one or two games the Tide are in danger of losing, they'll be back in the championship picture.

2. Mac Jones

Jones gave the Tide plenty of hope in their post-Tua era, as he threw for 14 touchdowns against just three interceptions while playing in the majority of five separate games. Against an Auburn team that limited Joe Burrow and LSU to 23 points, Jones helped Alabama hang 45, and he followed that up with three touchdown passes in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan. The offense is in good hands with No. 10 at the helm.

1. Their Loaded Backfield

Alabama is going to have an absurd SEVEN 4-star or 5-star recruits in their backfield next year, and their potential running back rotation could have Saban back to playing that power offense he loves so much. Najee Harris is back as the lead dog, and the likes of Brian Robinson and 5-star Trey Sanders in the backfield could give the Tide the best rushing attack in the SEC. If LSU plays too few guys in the box to prevent Jaylen Waddle from going over the top, expect a healthy dose of No. 22 and friends up the gut.