A quarter and former Alabama standout Rolando McClain.
Both components share one thing in common, the number 25. A quarter is worth 25 cents, McClain wore jersey No. 25 in his career at Alabama and the Crimson Tide has 25 days before it takes on Wisconsin on Sept. 5 inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
It’s been two seasons since Alabama last won a bowl game, let alone a national championship. Head coach Nick Saban and company return a team that’s capable of producing a good season; however, it faces a gruesome schedule and uncertainty at quarterback.
The road to Atlanta (SEC Championship) and the College Football Playoff will go through Tuscaloosa, Ala., but will the Crimson Tide be on that path? Yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine breaks down the best and worst case scenarios for Alabama this season.
BEST CASE SCENARIO: Alabama goes undefeated or suffers one loss (national champion)
For this to work, a confident quarterback must emerge in this competition quickly. If it should be senior quarterback Jake Coker, he needs to be highly consistent and protect the football.
Both areas have been issues for him, despite his exceptional arm talent.
A dynamic finish to fall camp, which would include solid play in two scrimmage games, could help Coker become the starting quarterback. If he becomes a strong communicator and keeps Alabama’s offense in manageable situations, its defense should handle the rest.
The Crimson Tide’s offensive line must generate balance.
Senior center Ryan Kelly has proven to be good in pass protection, but an average run blocker. Winning the line of scrimmage and getting into the second level of defenses will be imperative for him. Alabama will need for Bradley Bozeman, Ross Pierschbacker and Dominick Jackson to do their jobs. Sophomore left tackle Cam Robinson is already “championship” minded.
Depth at running back must make a solid impact.
Junior running back Derrick Henry knows all eyes will be on him. Kenyan Drake fully understands his role as the “hybrid” under offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.
It’s Damien Harris, Ronnie Clark, Bo Scarbrough (knee) and Xavian Marks that have to contribute. An emergence from one or two of these guys takes pressure off Henry, Drake and the quarterback position. Alabama will be able to impose its will and take time off the clock.
Alabama’s secondary must limit “big plays.”
Nick Marshall, Maty Mauk and Cardale Jones all dismantled Alabama’s secondary with big plays last season. Coach Saban’s phrase thus far in fall practice has been “Force turnovers.”
The Crimson Tide can’t afford to give up chunks of yards, and expect to run the table.
Senior cornerback Cyrus Jones enters this season with a chip on his shoulder. He was left off numerous preseason award watch lists, including Jim Thorpe and Bronko Nagurski.
Jones and sophomore Tony Brown have to be lockdown cornerbacks. True freshman Ronnie Harrison could be starting at one of the safety positions. He will have some growing pains, but with the leadership of Geno Matias-Smith and Eddie Jackson, Harrison can be productive.
Special teams cannot crumble in pivotal situations.
This one has been Alabama’s downfall in the last two seasons. Junior kicker Adam Griffith has to at least make 80 percent of his kicks. He started a perfect 7 of 7 last season, until a back injury (stress fracture) caused him to miss seven of his last 12 attempts, making him 12 of 19.
Sophomore punter JK Scott will need to duplicate his freshman season. He’s earned the respect of his teammates and coaching staff, and continues to stay flexible in his training.
A solid performance from him in months of October and November (huge games) is dire.
WORST CASE SCENARIO: Alabama finishes 8-4 (bowl berth)
“Sensationalism” is a term most people would use in describing this scenario, yet an 8-4 finish isn’t out of the cards for Alabama, especially if a quarterback isn’t found in fall camp.
Crimson Tide fans witnessed both Jake Coker and David Cornwell struggle in the team’s annual fan day Sunday. One mishap doesn’t hurt Cornwell (redshirt freshman), but if Coker doesn’t mature, expect the competition to come between Cornwell and true freshman Blake Barnett.
Barnett, 6-foot-5, 208 pounds, had the best overall performance at fan day, according to numerous media sites. He appears to be the most comfortable individual in Lane Kiffin’s system, and has formed a bond with fellow freshman and talented wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
Regardless of his abilities, a Barnett win would cause the crimson glasses to be removed for a moment. Alabama’s championship ambitions would have to wait until next season, as Barnett would go through some growing pains. Greatness, however, lies on the other side.
A rough outing could occur if Alabama’s offensive line doesn’t become cohesive.
Bradley Bozeman, Dominick Jackson, Ross Pierschbacher and others are talented, but aren’t proven leaders like Ryan Kelly and Cam Robinson. Issues with obtaining balance offensively could lead to the Crimson Tide’s defense in some tough situations.
Defensive backs coach Mel Tucker has an exceptional track record, yet if this year’s secondary resembles 2014, it will very difficult for Alabama to win the Southeastern Conference.
SILVER LINING: Alabama should start a young player a quarterback
Coach Saban is all for putting his best players on the field, and with that being said, the quarterback competition should be between Cornwell and Barnett.
Coker has the best arm talent, but can’t seem to put things together.
He couldn’t operate at Florida State, and fell to Blake Sims last season. Coker is in his second year under Kiffin and still has problems processing information. He is the equivalent of former Ole Miss quarterback Bo Wallace without the experience. Inconsistency at quarterback may lead to the difference between Alabama being productive or suffering more than two losses.
It may not win a national championship this season, but the Crimson Tide would be in contention for years to come if it were to start either Cornwell or Barnett.
Both guys have room to grow, and it would alleviate any doubt at quarterback in the coming seasons with either of them.
The potential of starting Coker could do double damage to Alabama. For one, this is his final year eligibility. Coker would leave after this season, and the team would back at square one.
Confidence is the second thing. It’s one thing to know what you have, but success comes down to applying it. Coker has all the physical tools, until he’s asked to perform.
Barnett and Cornwell have the tools, work ethic and leadership intangibles to run an offense.
Alabama had leadership on its 2010 team, but complacency kicked in and it finished 10-3. Everyone regrouped in 2011, and under quarterback AJ McCarron, the Crimson Tide won back-to-back national championships. Sometimes, a little pain is a blessing in disguise.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
