Alabama Football: Four things to look for in Saturday Scrimmage

The first fall scrimmage is at noon Saturday for Alabama football. Listed below are four things to look for during the scrimmage.

Alabama football head coach Nick Saban preached about mental toughness at the beginning of fall camp. The process of becoming the team that no one wants to play has begun.

The energetic head coach will boldly push and poke until he can find his team’s breaking point. Maybe not this Saturday, or even at next Saturday’s scrimmage, but before the end of camp, Saban will know his team’s fortitude.

Below are four things Tide fans should look for after the scrimmage is over:

4. The right side of the offensive line

Junior Matt Womack started all 14 games last season at right tackle. After suffering a foot injury before spring, Womack has yet to regain his starting position. Super sophomore Alex Leatherwood stepped in during the spring and performed admirably.

Now with a healthy Womack back, does his overall experience place him in front of Leatherwood. How does Jedrick Wills fare at right guard after converting from tackle?

3. Secondary settling in

Alabama’s biggest question mark coming into the season is can the Tide adjust after losing six significant contributors from last year’s defensive backfield.

Trevon Diggs begins his second year at defensive back. Very athletic, he possesses the skills to become a lockdown defender. The biggest concern is can he trust his skills and translate them into success on the field.

Former LSU signee Saivion Smith played alongside Diggs during the spring. Can any of the three true freshmen Patrick Surtain II, Josh Jobe or Jalyn Amour-Davis supplant Smith or Diggs?

Thompson starts at one safety, Xavier McKinney is likely the other safety. Carter appears to be a fixture at Star with Surtain shadowing him. Does Jared Mayden, Daniel Wright. Kyriq McDonald or Nigel Knott apply pressure for playing time?

2. Defensive pressure

New defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi takes the helm. The Crimson Tide returns three starters from last year’s championship team. Alabama garners a reputation as a top three defense every season.

New Tennessee Volunteers head coach Jeremy Pruitt led an aggressive defense. Under Kirby Smart, the defense was bend but not break. What system will Lupoi employ?

He has two All-SEC linemen in monsters, Raekwon Davis and Isaiah Buggs. Linebackers Mack Wilson and Dylan Moses are the best tandem of inside linebackers in the country. Anfernee Jennings and Christian Miller are pass rushing dynamos that Lupoi has at his disposal.

Lastly, does Eyabi Anoma make an elaborate push to get on the field? Scouts have mentioned Anoma in the same breath as Tide legend Derrick Thomas.

1. The battle for control of the team

Lastly, the most hotly contested quarterback battle on the planet will continue to take shape.

Saban preached that the quarterback who can win the team would win the starting job. Expect the scrimmage quarterback stats not posted. Saban doesn’t want the media to assume who did what based on the stats.

No one will question Jalen’s toughness, poise under pressure or leadership. However, has he improved as a passer this offseason? The addition of quarterback coach Dan Enos should help him with learning the intricacies of the position.

After receiving praise all offseason, can Tua handle the attention? The smooth lefty is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy per Westgate.

The scrimmage is closed. Saban will provide somewhat of an update, tailored to his purposes. Usually, a small amount of other information will seep out.

Alabama football is an overwhelming favorite to hold the championship trophy at the end of the season. Hopefully, no critical injuries occur during the scrimmage that can derail the chances.