SEC Football: Predicting the 2023 SEC standings and final rankings
By Kevin Miller
2023 SEC Football Standings No. 2 (and 1st in the SEC West):
Alabama Crimson Tide
The rumors of Alabama’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Nick Saban’s program is still a big-time national championship contender.
Quarterback questions abound in Tuscaloosa, but there have been plenty of other times during the Saban tenure in which the offense was unsure about who would lead it. Even when the quarterback play has been less than elite, Alabama has won and won big. Greg McElroy and Jake Coker won titles, and Blake Sims took the ‘Tide to the College Football Playoff.
Whether Ty Simpson, Tyler Buchner, or Jalen Milroe end up as the long-term starter for the crimson and white, Alabama will be just fine. A strong running game is a staple of the program and will continue as Jase McClellan could be the top dog in the running back room after producing well as a backup for years.
On defense, the ‘Tide was very good again in 2022, but they also had stretches where they really struggled against the pass (think of the Tennesse game, in particular). Can defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson’s unit be consistent enough to hold down the potential high-flying offense of Tennessee, LSU, Ole Miss, and Texas this season?
‘Bama has two new coordinators in 2023 in Tommy Rees and Kevin Steele, but coaching turnover is nothing new for Nick Saban. If any program in the country deserves the benefit of the doubt in overcoming the growing pains associated with new coaches, it’s the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Texas is a big early season test, but the game is at home this year, and Saban’s squad also gets both LSU and Tennessee at home, as well. With what are likely to be the three best teams on the schedule all traveling to Bryant-Denny Stadium, expect the Crimson Tide to be favored in all 12 contests this fall.
PREDICTION
Overall: 12-0; SEC Football: 8-0
Middle Tennessee (W), Texas (W), @South Florida (W), Ole Miss (W), @Mississippi State (W), @Texas A&M (W), Arkansas (W), Tennessee (W), LSU (W), @Kentucky (W), Chattanooga (W), @Auburn (W)