Alabama Football: Ranking the six toughest games in 2020 season

Alabama Football No. 2 Toughest Game in 2020

Nov. 7 vs. LSU

No Joe Burrow, Joe Brady or Dave Aranda but Ed Orgeron claims he is reloading rather than rebuilding. Two sensational players return in Derek Stingley Jr. and Ja’Marr Chase. But the new Bengal Tigers coaching staff will field a bunch of new starters. No SEC team lost as much to the NFL Draft as LSU.

LSU proclaims opposing teams come to Tiger Stadium to die. There has not been much death there for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Playing in Baton Rouge, the Tide has a 28-9-2 record, including winning five of the last six games in Red Stick.

Even with the Bengal Tigers rebuilding, Coach O’s team should be formidable by November. Both teams will have an open week to recoup from the long season.

There is little chance LSU can replicate its explosive offense from the 2019 season. It may not have to if Bo Pelini can improve the defense. LSU’s defensive strength last season was efficient passing defense, ranked at No. 4 in the FBS. But the Tigers were No. 37 in scoring defense. Giving up a bunch of points last season did not matter because Joe Burrow and company would just score a bunch more. For 2020, Pelini will look to be more aggressive with a 4-3 that does not need bailing out by the offense.

Alabama Football No. 1 Toughest Game in 2020

Sept. 19 vs. Georgia Bulldogs

September in T-Town could host one of the best games of the college football season. The loser cannot afford another SEC loss and still get to Atlanta. The winner will have a major leg up in making the 2021 College Football Playoff field.

Georgia will feature a new quarterback, Wake Forest transfer, Jamie Newman. Bulldogs’ fans believe Newman is the missing piece to finally vanquish the Crimson Tide. But first, Kirby Smart has to build a new offensive line. His new O-Line starters will not be their best by the third game of the season.

The Crimson Tide defense must show it can get to Newman early and often. The Tide’s speed on the edge could make the difference. Georgia’s defense, fuelled by the run of Kirby Smart recruiting excellence, should be outstanding.

The talent level on both rosters will be equivalent. The game will come down to coaching and which team makes the fewest mistakes. Give the Crimson Tide an edge, if for no other reason, because Bryant-Denny will be a very unfriendly place for the Bulldogs to play.

As good as Jamie Newman was last season, he has had problems with consistency in his career. Last season he threw 11 picks. With the Tide having to rebuild its secondary, putting heat on Newman will be essential.