Not-Quite-Predictions, Part Two: Alabama Won’t Three-Peat

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide lineman MK Taylor (50) celebrates after the 2013 BCS Championship game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Sun Life Stadium. Alabama won 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

It wouldn’t be August without the yearly commentator predictions. However redundant or nonsensical the analysis coming across the airwaves or plethora of online content, the massive guessing game does hold importance each season. For starters, it gives fans a bit of an idea on where teams sit against the rest of the country. It’s a bit of a who’s who exercise of the college football world.

No matter how far-fetched some prophecies sound, it has always been a fun, gearing-up tool for the upcoming season. The prognoses within this series may or may not come true, and there might be some of you who completely disagree, but that is the beauty of watching the weeks unfold. All is unknown at this point. Here is part two in a five-part series to get you ready for Saturdays in the fall.

Here is Part One on Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd.

ALABAMA WILL NOT THREE-PEAT

The Alabama Crimson Tide has certainly “rolled” over the FBS since 2008, winning three out of the last four BCS championships. There has been a few who mutter the Tide will in fact destroy all competition in 2013 on route to an inevitable three-peat. Move aside from the fact plenty of the brightest minds who follow college football religiously have stated that a three-peat is next to impossible in today’s game. The thought of history being made this January is euphoric, but it will not happen.

AJ McCarron is the best quarterback in the SEC, the Tide are more than likely the best team talent wise, and yes, I realize Bama would have to lose two games to not earn a spot in the National Championship, but with games against Virginia Tech, a tough Ole Miss offense, LSU, at Texas A&M and the 2013 SEC Championship, they just might run out of steam.

Is it simply a matter of logic, or is there an actual form of commentary to support the claim that the Tide will find themselves in a quest away from the Coaches Trophy? We can, with a bit of certainty, place a bet that a representative from the Southeastern Conference will be one half of the BCS title game in Pasadena; however, it is from the East we see will this team emerge.

The South Carolina Gamecocks have yet to make the final step over the hump that has kept them from the game’s most elite level. Yes, there have been some outstanding athletes to come through Columbia, but why in the world after two straight 11-win seasons, and a trip to the SEC title in 2010 haven’t they been able to take a step through the door of greatness? Fear not USC fans. The almost and “if only” talk ends in 2013.

The schedule will cause a tough road for the Gamecocks, but they don’t have Texas A&M, Alabama or LSU to deal with in the regular season, and even if they lose to Clemson in the regular season finale, the football gods will favor a one loss team from the SEC all the way to the national title game. That is the beauty of being in today’s SEC.
Jul 16, 2013; Hoover, AL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier talks with the media during the 2013 SEC football media days at the Hyatt Regency. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, if South Carolina has any chance of bringing the SEC its’ eighth straight BCS title they will have to take down Alabama in the SEC Championship, but if an overrated 2012 Georgia Bulldog team can come within four points of the Tide, then USC can certainly have their day.

Senior quarterback Connor Shaw was inconsistent as a sophomore, and was absolutely atrocious against Florida last year, but the supporting cast around Shaw should be able to elevate his game. This group of receivers has the makings talent wise, along with speedy Bruce Ellington and Damiere Byrd, to cause problems for opposing secondaries. Marcus Lattimore is gone, but the depth at running back can contribute in a rotational manner with Mike Davis as the anchor.

The offensive line protecting Shaw is massive with the smallest projected starter weighing in at 314 pounds. It’s impossible to ignore the 68 sacks allowed in two seasons, but you have to think that a unit that works against one the best defensive fronts in the nation during practice would be improved by now…maybe.

The defense will be the reason the Gamecocks bring home the SEC title. Obviously Jadeveon Clowney is a monster to defend, and when teams are focusing on him the rest of the d-line will be able punish quarterbacks. Kelcy Quarles has already been an additional force on the line with 38 tackles, along with 3.5 sacks last season. The secondary will benefit from the pass rush up front, and will be given plenty of opportunities to make plays in the defensive backfield.

If Alabama and South Carolina meet in the 2013 SEC championship, the battle up front will be won by USC. ‘Bama is replacing three outstanding offensive linemen from last season. Of course, the Tide have pumped out replacements each year to continue the domination, but the key to the SEC title is in the trenches. The Gamecocks d-line vs. the Tide o-line seems like no contest in August.