Game Preview: No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide vs No. 14 Miami Hurricanes
By Matt Melton
Alabama Crimson Tide Players to Watch
WR John Metchie III
Metchie returns for year three as Alabama’s most experienced receiver entering the 2021 season. Metchie finished second for the Crimson Tide in receiving a year ago hauling in 55 passes for 916 yards and six touchdowns.
LB Christian Harris
Arguably the most experienced member of Alabama’s defense is Harris. Having appeared in 25 games across the past two seasons, Harris has totaled 140 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
QB Bryce Young
Young takes over as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback after serving as the backup a year ago. Having only attempted 22 passes last season, this will be the first true game action for the former five-star recruit against a starting defense.
OLB Will Anderson Jr
Undoubtedly Alabama’s top returning pass rusher is Anderson who finished second on the team with seven sacks last season as a freshman. Alabama will likely rotate pass rushers in-and-out, but Anderson should be a constant presence on the field.
S Jordan Battle
The Crimson Tide have multiple safeties that will see the field, but Battle is the leader of that group. Totaling 66 tackles a year ago, Battle should be a constant presence in Alabama’s secondary.
LB Henry To’o To’o
To’o To’o joins the Crimson Tide after transferring from Tennessee in the offseason where he has totaled 140 tackles the past two seasons. To’o To’o will start alongside Harris as Alabama’s two inside linebackers.
S DeMarcco Hellams
Hellams finished fourth on the Crimson Tide in total tackles last season with 62. Alabama will likely rotate multiple safeties in-and-out, but Hellams could be the one that draws the start alongside Battle.
RB Brian Robinson Jr
Robinson finished the 2020 season with 91 carries for 483 yards and six touchdowns acting as Alabama’s No. 2 running back. Now the starter, the Crimson Tide will use multiple backs, but Robinson should be the No. 1 option.
CB Josh Jobe
Firmly cemented as Alabama’s No. 1 corner is Jobe, who totaled 55 tackles, two sacks, and 11 passes defensed a year ago. Jobe will most likely follow Miami’s No. 1 outside receiver here, likely either Charleston Rambo or Key’Shawn Smith.
OLB Christopher Allen
Allen is the most-experienced player in Alabama’s outside linebacker group who should be on the field often alongside Anderson. Allen totaled five sacks a year ago, as well as 33 total tackles.