Can the Alabama Crimson Tide continue to succeed without AJ McCarron?

Aside from a shootout with Texas A&M early in the season, Alabama did what Alabama do best for most of the season – pummel opponents with their running game and choke the life out of them with an all-American defense. Then they played Auburn. This wasn’t the Tiger team that Alabama beat 49-0 the previous season, this was a quick-strike offense and opportunistic defense that was also playing for the SEC West title (and more). The Tide had their chances – the offense and defense made more than enough plays, but it was the specials team that let them down, with the kickers combining to miss 4 field goals, and the final miss leading to THAT return. A disappointing loss to a far more game Oklahoma team in the Sugar Bowl just put an ugly stamp on a once fine season.

Offense

Jan 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) carries the ball in front of Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Eric Striker (19)in the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

The offense struggled a little early as the rebuilt offensive line meshed, but McCarron and a scary group of wide receivers carried them through. McCarron threw 30 TDs, while a receiving corps led by Amari Cooper (45-736-4) made life miserable for opponents’ secondaries. Once the running game got going though, TJ Yeldon and Kenyan Drake ran through the usual gaping holes and combined for 1929 yards and 22 TDs.

A new era for the Tide begins as McCarron embarks on a new adventure of his own. He has carried the team early on for the last couple of years, and the Tide won’t have his veteran presence to carry them through tough games. Instead, they’ll likely have Blake Sims or Florida State-transfer Jacob Coker leading the way. Sims has never taken advantage of his opportunities, while Coker moved on when Jameis Winston won the job. Neither will be asked to do a whole lot here, but if the game is one the line, can either come up with the goods? Luckily, having targets to throw to won’t be a problem. Cooper is back, as is DeAndrew White, who split time with Norwood last season. Christion Jones will also be in the mix. The running game returns the same cast of characters, but expect 3rd-string rusher Derrick Henry to see more action after showing some big play ability last year. The offensive line needs to replace left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio and right guard Anthony Steen, but they’ve a ton (literally) of guys waiting in the wings. Expect JUCO Dominick Jackson to take one of the spots. Quarterback is the big concern on offense.

Defense

Sep 14, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Cyrus Jones (5) intercepts the ball in the end zone in the second quarter against Texas A&M Aggies receiver Ja

The defense was outstanding for 10 games last season, allowing just 2275 yards and 60 points. Yes, 60. Against A&M, Auburn and Oklahoma, they allowed 1450 yards and 121 points. Why the disparity in yards and points? Well, apart from a brief and cursory nod towards the subject of the ‘Saban Rule’, more of a factor might the presence of athletic quarterbacks who force ‘Bama to defend 11 guys instead of 10, another of Nick Saban’s acknowledged bogey men.

The Tide defense has some key losses this season, with 6 players needing to be replaced. Defensive ends Ed Stinson and Jeoffrey Pagan are gone, and it will be tough to replace their experience. Expect A’Shawn Robinson and Jonathan Allen to fill their spots after solid freshman campaigns. Returning starter Brandon Ivory will provide leadership in the middle. Both outside linebackers are gone, and CJ Mosley in particular will be missed. Dillon Lee and Reggie Ragland have been groomed to take over, but they also lack the experience of their predecessors. In the secondary, Landon Collins replaced both Vinnie Sunseri and Ha-Ha Clinton Dix at times last season, but unfortunately he can only replace one this season. Expect him to stick at strong safety. Geno Smith (not that one) will likely take over at free safety. Cornerback could be in trouble, as Deion Belue is gone, and a number of different options were tried opposite him. Expect Cyrus Jones to start at one spot, and either Bradley Sylve or Maurice Smith will take the other. Don’t write off Eddie Jackson either. All 4 started at least 2 games last season. The Tide played a lot of nickel (Star) last season, and Jarrick Williams did a good job. He’ll return there in 2014.

Special Teams

Much was made of Cade Foster’s finish to the season, and rightly so, but he made 11 of 12 field goals prior to the Auburn game. Punter Cody Mandell was okay, but he didn’t see a lot of work thanks to the Alabama offense. Jones was outstanding returning kicks and punts, scoring 3 TDs combined. The coverage units were strong.

Adam Griffith is next in line to replace Foster, but he’ll have to win the fans over early. The Tide are bringing in freshman JK Scott to take over the punting job. Jones will return punts and kicks again, while the immense talent on campus will ensure the coverage units continue to be good.

Prediction

Are there clouds on the horizon for Alabama? The team is absolutely loaded as usual, but McCarron is potentially a huge loss for the offense, while the defense is losing experience with the loss of some key performers. The schedule includes Florida and Tennessee from the East division, both of whom should be better than last season’s efforts, while the West is almost eternally tough. With the new NCAA playoffs this season, will the Tide be strong enough to earn one of the prized spots?