Five reasons Alabama will make a fifth straight CFB Playoff

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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — We already know Alabama is projected to make a fifth straight trip to the College Football Playoff this season. The defending champions are the only team to reach the playoff in every year of its existence and should have the pieces in place to make a return trip this season.

Wednesday we told you five potential stumbling blocks Alabama might encounter next season. Although, if things go to plan this year it should be relatively smooth sailing for the Crimson Tide.

Here are five reasons Alabama will make the College Football Playoff this season.

If you’re keeping track, we mentioned the quarterback position as one of Alabama’s five potential stumbling blocks Wednesday. However, that concern is only valid if the Crimson Tide struggles to find a plan behind center.

Assuming the quarterback position is sorted out, either one of the two potential starters — or both — will have no shortage of targets to throw to. Tua Tagovailoa provided a glimpse of how diverse Alabama’s passing game can be during the second half of the national championship game as he hit nine different receivers while leading the Crimson Tide’s historic comeback. If Jalen Hurts holds on to his role as the starter it will be because he proves to coaches this fall that he can be just as proficient distributing the ball.

While Alabama loses its three starting receivers in Calvin Ridley, Cam Sims and Robert Foster, it returns Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and DeVonta Smith who all played key roles as freshmen.

Alabama was too reliant on Ridley last season, throwing to him more than four times as much as any other receiver. This year should be different as all three of the returning sophomores have proven to be capable playmakers. The Crimson Tide will also see the emergence of 6-foot-6 redshirt freshman Tyrell Shavers as well as five-star freshman Jaylen Waddle who will add depth to the unit.

Alabama returns all of its tight ends from last year, including pass-catching threat Miller Forristall who is back from a season-ending ACL injury.