Alabama Football: 5 Reasons Why Tide's Offense Is Still SEC's Best

The Alabama Crimson Tide defense garnered much of the praise for the team's national championship triumph over LSU in January, but its greatness aside, it was the offense that quietly went out and executed flawlessly against a team known for destroying several high-powered offenses in 2011.  

While they must deal with the loss of their offensive coordinator (Jim McElwain, who left to take the head coaching job at Colorado State) and All-American running back Trent Richardson, the Crimson Tide still have quarterback A.J. McCarron returning in addition to a veteran front wall protecting him.  

New offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier must develop new talent at the skill positions, but he has several talented options that are chomping at the bit to get on the field for the Crimson Tide this fall.  

In fact, with the defense absorbing heavy losses to the NFL, it wouldn’t be a shock to say Nick Saban may have to lean on his offense in the beginning of the season until the newcomers on defense get comfortable.  

That may not be a bad thing, however.

Here are five reasons why the Tide’s offense is still the SEC’s best.  

Seasoned Quarterback

McCarron enters the 2012 season on a high note, buoyed by his masterful performance in the BCS national championship game (23-of-34 for 234 yards passing) where he dissected LSU’s vaunted secondary with ease.  

Now that Richardson and both starting wide receivers must be replaced, it's up to McCarron to step up and consistently play at the level he displayed against the Tigers. 

With Nussmeier’s impressive resume of mentoring quarterbacks during his coaching career, McCarron should be amply prepared to make the necessary adjustments for him to be one of the top passers in the SEC this fall. 

Impact Newcomers

While trying to replace a dynamic talent like Richardson is never easy, Alabama has a star-in-waiting with his apprentice of the last two seasons—junior Eddie Lacy—patiently waiting for his turn to become the Crimson Tide’s featured back.  

As excited as Lacy probably is for his turn in the spotlight, fans may be more amped up for the debuts of a handful of freshmen—headlined by running back T.J. Yeldon.

Wide receivers Amari Cooper and Chris Black both enrolled early and each have a great opportunity to add an explosive element that was lacking from the Crimson Tide’s passing attack last season.  

Leadership

This year’s Crimson Tide squad will be considerably younger on offense, with only three senior starters likely to take the field on Sept. 1 when Alabama lines up to open the season against Michigan.  

However, the trio of elder statesmen include Barrett Jones, Chance Warmack and Michael Williams—three players who have been to war in the trenches for three years and know what it takes to win in the SEC.  

While they will be surrounded by a host of newcomers, expect the upperclassmen—along with juniors like McCarron, Lacy and D.J. Fluker—to set the tone.

Depth at Skill Positions

The biggest question revolving around the Crimson Tide’s offense this year is the new cast of skill players, and how they will perform without the presence of an established star like Richardson. 

While they may be lacking in star power, Saban will have plenty of bodies at both running back and wide receiver that are capable of keeping the Tide’s efficient offense humming.   

Four running backs—Lacy, Yeldon, junior Jalston Fowler and redshirt freshman Dee Hart—will likely see action this fall, while the receiver group is deep and possesses the potential to be better than last year’s group.  

Offensive Line

Any coach will tell you that the most integral part of having a dominant offense is a solid foundation up front in the trenches. 

This is one area where Alabama will take a backseat to no one in the SEC—and perhaps the entire country.  

Jones and Fluker spearhead a unit that returns four starters and led the SEC in rushing offense and finished second in the conference in total offense, trailing only Arkansas.  

With the experience up front combined with a veteran quarterback leading the way for the Crimson Tide, expect Alabama to possess the top offensive attack in the SEC  this season.  

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