Alabama Football: Realistic expectations for offense and defense

What can we realistically expect from Alabama football in 2020?

We are a month away from an unprecedented college football season. Scrimmages are taking place, excitement is in the air, and hope for a successful season of Alabama football lives on through these uncertain times.

Like any other year, the Crimson Tide expect to win it all in 2020. However, that is an ultimate goal. In order to achieve it, Alabama has to make progress along the way. With that in mind, let’s look at some realistic expectations for the Crimson Tide on both sides of the ball. Let’s start with offense.

Realistic expectations for Alabama football’s offense

Find the next star at wide receiver

The receiving corps is absolutely loaded in 2020. Despite losing Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs, Alabama returns two of the best receivers in college football. I’m not concerned about them at all. However, the Crimson Tide needs to find that third guy who can be the next great receiver. If not, the team will have little experience in 2021.

Mac Jones can make the occasional star play

When Tua was under center for Alabama football, he was always a threat to throw for a touchdown. That was great, but Mac Jones does not have to do that. Instead, he needs to simply avoid detrimental mistakes. Hand the ball off, throw an accurate ball on the slant route, and occasionally air it out deep. It just has to be enough to keep defenses from flooding the box. If he can throw a few deep balls a game, the offense is in safe hands.

Najee Harris gets 1300 all-purpose yards

Najee had 1224 rushing yards and 304 receiving yards in 2019. Expecting 1500 all-purpose yards is not insane even with the shortened schedule. However, let’s keep the expectations even more realistic.