Why Alabama football no longer rules the SEC West. Watch out for LSU in 2023. | Adams
Alabama football’s only regular-season losses in 2022 came on the last play. But don’t let that fool you.
The Tide didn’t look their usual super selves in losing the West to LSU and first-year Tigers coach Brian Kelly. And if they hadn’t been blessed with the nation’s best player in quarterback Bryce Young, they might have wound up with five losses.
As we take an early look at the SEC West in 2023, the biggest question: Can Alabama regain championship status?
LSU might have the answer.
LSU (11-1): Not only did the Tigers surpass the Tide last season, they did so with three freshman starters on offense and despite the loss of their best defensive lineman.
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Tackle Maason Smith, who incurred a season-ending knee injury in the opener, will return to bolster a defense that also will include freshman star linebacker Harold Perkins. Quarterback Jayden Daniels and most of the starting line also will return. So will wide receiver Malik Nabors and tight end Mason Taylor.
Kelly has landed a top-10 recruiting class. Just as significantly, he has capitalized on the transfer portal, as he did before last season.
Alabama (10-2): The Tide have had a great run of quarterbacks - Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones and Bryce Young. But who's next?
That's the big question.
Jalen Milroe proved himself as a runner but didn't dazzle anyone with his passing when he stepped in for an injured young. Five-star recruit Ty Simpson also will compete for the job. And there's always the possibility Alabama could add a late quarterback transfer.
It also will have to replace two-time All-American Will Anderson Jr. on defense. Good luck with that.
Texas A&M (8-4): The Aggies’ upset of LSU might be a better indicator of their talent than their 5-7 record was. Much of that talent will be returning.
By the end of the season, Texas A&M’s offense was starting six freshmen, including quarterback Connor Weigman and star wide receiver Evan Stewart. Coach Jimbo Fisher further bolstered the offense by hiring Bobby Petrino as his coordinator.
Injuries wrecked the offensive line, but the Aggies should be deep in both lines next season.
Ole Miss (7-5): The return of running back Quinshon Judkins will highlight what should be another productive running game. You also can expect coach Lane Kiffin to upgrade the roster through transfers.
The early additions include receivers Christian Marshall (Texas A&M) and Tre Harris (Louisiana Tech). Both could start.
But there's still work to do on defense.
Arkansas (6-6): The running game will be in good hands with quarterback K J Jefferson and running back Raheim Sanders. Also, three starters will return in the offensive line.
The midsection of the schedule could prove troublesome. From Sept. 23 through Oct. 14, the Razorbacks will play LSU, Texas A&M, Ole Miss and Alabama. And none of those games will be on their home field.
Auburn (6-6): Based on coach Hugh Freeze’s track record, he will make the Tigers better right away.
Finding a starting quarterback in the transfer portal would be a step in the right direction. Finding players at all other positions in the portal also would be a step in the right direction.
Mississippi State (5-7): Former coach Mike Leach will be missed – as much for his personality as his coaching. The Bulldogs also incurred heavy losses on offense and defense.
Following Leach’s death, the Bulldogs quickly made defensive coordinator Zach Arnett their fulltime coach. That should make for a smooth transition, especially if they can make the Air Raid offense work without its master.
The return of quarterback Will Rogers should help.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Alabama football no longer rules the SEC West. Watch out for LSU in 2023.
