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) /

1. Auburn and LSU are tired of losing

The SEC West is constantly one of the best divisions in college football thanks to Alabama, LSU, and Auburn. However, Alabama is the team that constantly dominates the division. Auburn and LSU have not been able to dethrone Alabama since the BCS era.

Both Auburn and LSU have new look programs that are ready to turn the corner and contend for National Championships again in 2017. LSU has a new head coach in Ed Orgeron who’s ready to make his mark in his first full season.

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn finally has the quarterback he needs to run his offensive scheme. Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham could be a game changer for the Auburn offense since he threw 13 touchdowns and only two interceptions during his limited college career. The backfield combination of Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson could scare Tide fans as well.

Next: 5 reasons why the Clemson Tigers will struggle in 2017

Getting past both teams is never easy for Alabama and all three teams are ranked inside the top 15 in the Coaches Poll once again. Alabama will be the favorite in both games against Auburn and LSU but this could finally be the year that one team defeats the Tide for the first time in four years.

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