5 Teams who could beat Alabama in 2017

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) scores on a 25 yard touchdown past Clemson Tigers defensive back Ryan Carter (31) and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) scores on a 25 yard touchdown past Clemson Tigers defensive back Ryan Carter (31) and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Football: UL Lafayette at Georgia
NCAA Football: UL Lafayette at Georgia /

5. Georgia Bulldogs

We start the list with the Georgia Bulldogs, the only hypothetical matchup on this list, as Georgia and the Crimson Tide do not play each other during the regular season in 2017. Despite that, there is a likely chance that these two teams could end up facing off against each other in the SEC Championship Game. Should Georgia and Alabama meet, it could be a very well-played game, one in which Alabama could find itself on the wrong side of the win/loss column.

Georgia returns a bevy of experience from the 2016 team, most notably Jacob Eason at the quarterback position. Eason was good in 2016, and showed flashes of the talent that made him the starter as a true freshman. With a season’s worth of experience behind him, his 2017 should be even better. If a team wants to beat the Crimson Tide, they need a top tier quarterback that can exploit the secondary, much like Deshaun Watson did; Eason should provide that. Georgia also returns Nick Chubb and Sony Michel at running back in 2017 which is monumental for the Bulldogs. Both are very good backs and ones that could easily be the catalysts towards beating Alabama. Georgia should also have a strong defense next season, which never hurts to have against the Crimson Tide.