Alabama had one unfortunate game against Texas A&M where they dropped a heartbreaker 41-38. However, one loss does not define a season. The Crimson Tide have bounced back and now rank second behind Georgia in the CFP rankings with an 8-1 record.
It seems as if many have counted out Alabama this season because of that loss. But is Nick Saban’s squad still the team to beat? Here are three reasons why Alabama will win the National Championship.
Nick Saban
When your head coach is Nick Saban, you are going to have a chance to win. Yes, obviously you need talent. But Saban does not care what his team’s record is, he is a coach who is going to get the most out of his players.
When Saban took over the head coaching job at Michigan State back in 1995, he helped re-energize the program and helped turn them into a winner. After leaving and taking a job at LSU, he led them to a Sugar Bowl victory. After a couple of unsuccessful seasons in the NFL, Saban became the head coach at the University of Alabama in 2007 where he has remained until this day.
He has led the Crimson Tide to an outstanding six National Championships since 2007, and he knows how to win regardless of the circumstances.
Bryce Young is the Man
Almost every college championship football team has an excellent quarterback. Alabama is no different, as Bryce Young has stood out as the Heisman Favorite so far in 2021. Young has been nothing short of excellent this season. The sophomore QB has thrown 28 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions, while adding over 2,700 yards through nine games.
Young was vital in avoiding an upset against LSU last week, as he threw for over 300 yards and 2 touchdowns in the 20-14 win. What is really impressive this year is his decision making. There are plenty of young and talented quarterbacks who try and force throws which lead to turnovers.
However, Young has demonstrated a mature ability to pick and choose when to throw the ball and when to throw it away or take the sack. That is the sign of an intelligent player who can lead a team to a championship.
Momentum and Strength of Schedule
Despite a near-upset last week, Alabama was able to hold on for the victory. Before that game, the Crimson Tide had won back-to-back matchups by at least 28 points. Their offense has been clicking and the defense has shown improvement over the past few weeks.
This is a team trending in the right direction and they are starting to feel like the team to beat once again.
Barring a shocking and unforeseen turn over of events, Alabama should have no problem dealing with a 1-8 New Mexico State team this Saturday.
The Crimson Tide will then face No. 25 Arkansas next week and No. 17 Auburn in two weeks. While neither of those games are guaranteed victories, Alabama should be able to defeat them handily. If Alabama wins their next three games, that would make it six victories in a row heading into December.
The last thing the rest of the teams in the College Football Playoffs want to see is a scorching hot Alabama team.
