Each year the attendants at SEC Media Days get a chance to submit their prediction for who will win the SEC Championship game. Alabama received 193 votes from the media while Georgia was next with a total of 69 votes. The media predicts a rematch of the national championship in the SEC championship in 2018. Alabama was picked by the media to win the SEC West with 1,971 points and Georgia was chosen to win the SEC East with 1,977 points,
Alabama was on its way to play in the SEC Championship with a record an 11-0 record until they were upset by Auburn. Auburn went on to represent the western division in the SEC championship while Alabama was picked to play against Clemson in the Sugar Bowl despite not winning the SEC Championship. In the Saban era at Alabama, the Crimson Tide have played in six SEC championships and compiled a record of 5-1. Despite winning the national championship in 2011 and 2017 Alabama had lost to eventual SEC Western division winner.
While the media has chosen Alabama to win there are still many questions to be answered about this team. There are only three returning starters on the defense and in the span of two weeks the linebacker depth has become thinner with the dismissal of VanDarius Cowan, Terrell Lewis’ ACL tear and Keith Holcombe’s desire to play baseball instead. This is a young but talented defense for Alabama which can reminiscent of the 2010 defense.
Another question that looms is who will play quarterback. Nick Saban has not named a starter yet but he has stated he is unsure if Jalen Hurts will be on the roster for the Louisville game. Both quarterbacks have incredible skills and Saban would love to find a role for both of them.
The media choosing Alabama to win the SEC is not a wild idea. Alabama has so much success over the past few years and is typically a favorite to win but this year there might need to be some questions answered first.
