Alabama Football: Six keys to Crimson Tide 2022 success

For the Alabama football program and its fans, every season’s success is measured by winning National Championships. That would be too great a burden for any other program, but it is a welcome blessing for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The 2021 season was far from a total failure. An SEC Championship was won and the Crimson Tide got back to the national title game. Winning the next title game in January 2023 would return the Tide to its rightful place – and continue the greatest dynasty in college football history.

What will it take for Alabama Football to win it all?

Some degree of luck is needed in most championships. Not unrelated to luck is a healthy roster. The Crimson Tide has five or six players, who if lost to a season-ending injury, would jeopardize championship chances.

More specifically, there are six key areas in which the Tide must excel to win the next National Championship.

Alabama Football Offensive Line

The guys up front might be the Tide’s most vulnerable position group. Even with Evan Neal, the offensive line was a weakness last season. Two tackles, who must both play much better than any of the Tide’s right tackles last season, is the starting point. The unit must also function better as a unit, especially in short-yardage situations.

Wide Receiver

There are good reasons to be confident in Jermaine Burton and Ja’Corey Brooks. Both can be very good players, even if neither quite matches the Tide’s recent great receivers. At least two more guys must be able to consistently produce. In the Tide’s top four, two must have the speed and hands to be deep-ball threats. All four (and a fifth cannot be far behind) must be able to create separation and consistently hold on to catchable balls.

This position group is limited in game experience, but it has no shortage of talent. One, and maybe as many as three of the 2022 class freshmen have a shot at the two-deep.

Defensive Line

A couple of guys must step up and together match or surpass the output of Phidarain Mathis last season. The defensive line may rotate a bit more in 2022 and it has the depth to do so with little or no dropoff.

Will Linebacker

The replacement for Christian Harris does not have to be a future NFL first-round pick. But the position requires someone who is sound fundamentally, who does not make assignment mistakes, who can cover running backs and tight ends, and is a solid tackler. The Crimson Tide defense will be good enough, the will linebacker does not have to be great. Being very good will be enough.

Tight End

Another tight end who can block and is a threat in the passing game is essential. Cameron Latu should have a great season, but one TE threat is not enough. Sophomore Robbie Ouzts can handle the blocking part and Alabama football insiders contend he is a legitimate receiving threat. A solid backup to the pair will be needed.

Punting

This is another area where greatness is not essential. Sophomore, James Burnip just needs to be appreciably better than last season when he averaged 39.1 yards per punt. He has the leg needed, but so far has lacked consistency.

The secondary and the running backs are not discussed in this post because even with new starters needed, the depth of talent available is outstanding. In addition, the Crimson Tide has the best outside linebackers in college football.