Scouting the Crimson Tide

Alabama finished the season with a record of 12-1 (7-1 SEC) with victories over West Virginia, Florida Atlantic, Southern Miss, Florida, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Tennessee, LSU, Mississippi St., Western Carolina, Auburn, and Missouri. The lone loss was on the road at Ole Miss. The Crimson Tide averages 209 rushing yards/game, 281 passing yards, and 37 points. Alabama has limited teams to 88 rushing yards/game, 223 passing yards, and 16 points.

Offense

Blake Sims has completed 64% of his passes for 3250 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He has also rushed for 321 yards and six touchdowns. At running back is T.J. Yeldon who has 932 yards and ten touchdowns. Yeldon has been limited this season with hamstring and ankle injuries. Also splitting time at running back is Derick Henry with 895 yards and ten touchdowns. Both running backs have a limited role in the passing game. At receiver is Amari Cooper, winner of the Biletnikoff award as the nation's outstanding receiver. Cooper has carried the load for the team with 1656 reception yards and 14 touchdowns, which is almost half the yards and touchdowns the team has in receptions. Behind Cooper are DeAndrew White, Christion Jones, and O.J. Howard. Jones also returns kicks. White is the senior leader in the receiving team, but he was limited this season with a shoulder injury and a tight hamstring.

Defense

Landon Collins leads the team with three interceptions and 91 tackles. Xzavier Dickson has eight sacks for 37 yards. Geno Smith starts at free safety but his playing time may be limited to obvious passing situations. Also at safety is Nick Perry who had twelve tackles against Mississippi St. Jarran Reed is a junior college transfer and he has made an immediate impact on the defensive live. Reggie Ragland is a first year starter at linebacker and he was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award and was first team All-SEC.