Alabama Football: 5 reasons why the Crimson Tide will struggle in 2017

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after the Clemson Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 35-31 in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. Injury prone Bo Scarbrough

Alabama has always had options at running back. But they’ve also always had a go-to guy to hand the ball to. That guy now is junior running back Bo Scarbrough. When healthy, Scarbrough is a beast that very few defenses can stop. He resembles Derrick Henry in many ways.

The very thought of defending both Scarbrough and Hurts in the run game should terrify each defense that has to face Alabama. However, Scarbrough might not be healthy enough to play in every game this season.

Scarbrough has played through an injury plagued career, even up to the National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers. He suffered an ACL tear in 2015 and hurt himself again twice in 2016.

When Scarbrough is healthy he’s capable of having games like he did against the Tennessee Volunteers where he rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown on five carries, and against the Washington Huskies where he racked up 180 yards and two touchdowns. However, his carries could be limited, once again, if he cannot keep he knees in tact and if Damien Harris is still productive.

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