Alabama football feels no pressure in 2021
While being the best team in the country usually brings pressure, Alabama football has done more than enough to prove itself. With almost every key contributor from last year’s offense in the NFL, there is minimal pressure on the reigning champions. The same can’t be said for the rest of the SEC.
There is always pressure to win the conference for some of these historic programs, but the power shift in 2021 is noticeable. Both Tennessee and Auburn usually have high expectations, but they hired new head coaches this offseason. This will give them a grace period, pushing the pressure onto other SEC teams.
With that in mind, Which teams are under the most pressure in 2021?
Texas A&M Aggies
Last season, the Aggies had a successful season. They bring back all sorts of talent on both sides of the ball, and they have one of the easiest schedules in the conference. They’ll easily go 4-0 outside of the conference, and they play South Carolina and Missouri from the SEC East. Their game against Alabama football is at home, and they’ll be better than the rest of the teams on their schedule.
The only red flags are on the offensive line and at quarterback. Losing Kellen Mond will be tough, but that can’t keep the expectations from being high.
For the Aggies, it’s CFP or bust. They have to beat Alabama football and make it through the conference. It’s now or never, and it’s easy to see why. If Jimbo Fisher fails to beat Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide, he may be on the hot seat for the future. Especially with Texas and OU joining the conference, the Aggies need to establish dominance now.