Alabama Football: Ranking Crimson Tide’s 2020 opponents by difficulty

Ranking Alabama football’s opponents: Tier 2

No. 7: @ Ole Miss Rebels

This was so close to being in the third tier. I put it at the bottom of the second tier for two reasons. Ole Miss gets to host, and I’m interested to see what Lane Kiffin can do. He gave Alabama fits when he was the head coach at Tennessee, and he will coach as if this is their national championship. I don’t think that storyline will be enough to outweigh the imbalance on the field, but it’s worth being added to the second tier. Alabama should still curb stomp this team, though.

No. 6: vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

This game will be so interesting. I think it will take the Bulldogs a few years to adapt to Mike Leach’s offense, but they will still be significantly better in 2020. I don’t think it’s enough to matter when you look at the strength of Alabama’s run game, but Saban has little experience coaching against a mind like Leach. It’s a whole new ball game.

No. 5: @ Tennessee Volunteers

This game would be a little higher if I knew that Neyland Stadium would be crowded. However, I’m sure that a recording of Rocky Top will still play in Knoxville. Jeremy Pruitt is recruiting incredibly well, and his team turned a corner in the latter half of the 2019 season. I like their quarterback situation, and I think they are one of the few teams on the rise.

No. 4: vs. Texas A&M Aggies

I feel bad for Texas A&M. They were one of the losers of the SEC schedule release. This was supposed to be their year with Kellen Mond and an easier schedule, but that’s all out the window now. Despite this, they have a good roster for the upcoming season. Could Jimbo Fisher be the first former Saban assistant to beat the GOAT? I doubt it. However, they will probably force Alabama football to keep their starters in for all four quarters. That’s more than most of Alabama’s opponents could say last season.