Alabama Football: Ranking 2020 opponents by toughness

There’s no doubt about who finishes last in these rankings and what the result will be come Nov. 14. That’s a problem.

This FCS November habit the SEC has is an absolute buzzkill in the month where the sport is supposed to ramp up the intensity to its highest levels. This is exactly why the Tide are consistently criticized for their scheduling. It’s not that they don’t get credit for the big yearly non-conference opener, it’s that in the month where the rubber is supposed to meet the road, Alabama barely has to even turn the car on for a weekend.

Dustin Crum had a breakout 2019 season, starting the year as a backup and finishing as the team’s leading passer and rusher. He had 2,675 yards and 20 touchdowns through the air, and added 707 yards and six scores on the ground. In the Frisco Bowl, he won a duel against Utah State’s Jordan Love, who would go on to be drafted as the heir-apparent to Aaron Rodgers.

Sean Lewis has gone 9-16 in his first two seasons in Kent, but with a dynamic quarterback and an offensive line that returns three of five starters, the Flashes could be set for their second bowl trip in the young coach’s first three seasons.