Alabama football’s wish list for College Football Playoff
By Dakota Cox
What does Alabama football need this postseason?
With Christmas around the corner, Alabama football fans are preparing for another trip to the College Football Playoff. The Tide are once again two wins away from a national championship, and things are trending up for this team. They are coming off of a statement victory in the SEC Championship, and Bryce Young became the first quarterback in Alabama history to win the Heisman Trophy.
With Christmas upon us, what is on Alabama’s wish list for the postseason? Besides winning a ring, what can the Tide ask for?
A surge from an underclassman WR
All season, Jameson Williams and John Metchie have been a dynamic duo. The bad news for Alabama football is that Metchie will be out for the College Football Playoff after suffering an injury in the SEC Championship.
Williams has proven that he can be a top target, but Alabama needs the depth to shine at this position. Will it be JoJo Earle? Traeshon Holden? Christian Leary? All of these players have shown flashes this year, but someone needs to step up in the absence of Metchie. It will make Alabama feel better about the future of the position, but it could also help them repeat as national champions.
Continued improvement on the offensive line
The offensive line has been a red flag for Alabama this year. After losing most of last year’s starting unit, this group has been the weakness of the offense. However, they deserve credit for how they played against Georgia. The Bulldogs brought the best defensive front all year, but the line remained solid.
If that play continues, Alabama will protect its Heisman winner and put him in a position to succeed.
Health for the players
Obviously, injuries in the postseason are horrible. They hurt the team and can keep a player from maximizing their value in the NFL Draft. There is never a good time to get hurt, but it is worse as the season progresses.
In this world, health includes avoiding COVID cases. At this point, there is no doubt that COVID will impact the College Football Playoff. Two assistants already have COVID for Alabama football. However, they have a great history of avoiding cases.
dark. Next. Saban won't save Meyer
Still, fans can wish for the team to be fully healthy for this final stretch. Outside of a championship, the one thing fans want is for the team to stay healthy.