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SEC Power Rankings: No quarterback, no problem for Alabama?

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
  • 2015 Record: 14-1, 7-1 (SEC)
  • Season Opener: Sept. 3 vs. USC (Arlington, TX)

The 2015 national champions return to the 2016 season, looking to repeat as champions and once again rule as king of the SEC.

Saban has built the modern powerhouse. Even with a revolving door at quarterback the last two years. Coker provided the game management skills that the Tide needed in 2015 in order for them to overcome their lone loss to Ole Miss and build momentum to end the season.

Coker is gone and another new quarterback will enter the offense this season. Cooper Bateman, Blake Barnett, David Cornwell and true freshmen Jalen Hurts are battling for the starting job.

Whoever starts at quarterback will have the privilege to throw the ball to a talented receiver group led by Calvin Ridley and tight end O.J. Howard. Both pass catchers have big play ability and bring a different dimension to the offense. Alabama is replacing Heisman winner Derek Henry this season with Bo Scarborough and Damien Harris ready to split the load.

More saturday blitz: 50 Best College Football Players for 2016

Alabama’s defense will dominant, as it always is. Johnathan Allen leads the defensive line, Reuben Foster at linebacker and Eddie Jackson and Minkah Fitzpatrick lead a talented secondary.

Alabama is the team every other team in the SEC chases and aspires to be. They are the gold standard of college football right now. Until someone knocks them off, they’ll stay at number one in the SEC.

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