Alabama Football: The Crimson Tide look to repeat in 2018
Offense
All signs point to Tua Tagovailoa being named the starting quarterback of the Crimson Tide for the 2018 season. Tagovailoa, a sophomore, came into the overtime contest and threw the game-winning score for the Crimson Tide over the Georgia Bulldogs last season. In only a few short months former starting quarterback Jalen Hurts has gone from 26-2 as a starter to possibly sitting the bench and transferring after the season.
Tagovailoa was given playing time in 2017 to keep him from transferring out and it worked to Saban’s benefit. Tagovailoa threw 11 touchdowns, only two interceptions, and averaged 8.3 yards per passing attempt a year ago. Hurts, on the other hand, was no slouch either. A 40 to 10 touchdown to interception ratio would guarantee most guys their starting job for life but not in Tuscaloosa where the pressure is high and blue-chip prospects are up and down the Crimson Tide roster. The Tide offense finished 2017 ranked 23rd in the country and will need to stay that consistent in 2018.
Supporting Cast
Bo Scarborough left for the NFL after rushing for over 500 yards and eight scores in 2017. Damien Harris, a senior, decided to stay in school and is one of seven returning starters for the offense. Harris ran for 1,000 yards while averaging 7.4 yards per rush and scoring 11 times. He’s backed up by sophomore Najee Harris who averaged 6.1 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns in limited duty. Blocking H-Back Hale Hentges returns for his senior season as well.
The receiving corps loses Calvin Ridley who hauled in 967 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2017. Ridley will be replaced by Jerry Jeudy. A sophomore, Jeudy did catch 14 passes for 264 yards and two scores last season. Jeudy, Hentges, Najee Harris, and wide receiver Henry Ruggs III will all play big roles in the receiving game. Ruggs III averaged 19.1 yards per catch and caught six touchdowns as a freshman last season.
The offensive line is once again the strength of the Crimson Tide offense. Four starting linemen return including tackles Jonah Williams and Matt Womack. Whoever is the starting quarterback will have weapons around him and a top-rated offensive line to protect him.