TideSports 2016 College Football Preview
The 2016 football season is nearly upon us! TideSports.com and The Tuscaloosa News are proud to present our 2016 College Football Preview, arriving in print on Sept. 1.
You'll find breakdowns of every position group, previews of every game, and the best insight and analysis anywhere to cover all angles of the 2016 season before kickoff arrives.
TIDESPORTS.COM PREMIUM COVERAGE
Not a TideSports member? Sign up here. Students, be sure to take advantage of our college special!
COVER STORY: What does it take to repeat?
Nick Saban knows what it takes to win a championship, and he also knows what it takes to repeat. But replacing the production and leadership lost from the 2015 team will be no easy task, no matter how talented the roster.
CECIL HURT: Expectations, opponents are both obstacles in 2016
2007, 2010, 2013 and now 2016. In the first three seasons listed, Alabama didn't win national championships or even conference titles. To break that sequence this season, the Crimson Tide will need new leadership to set a standard for toughness and focus.
COACHING CHANGES: Assistants not standing pat
Winning a championship didn't mean Nick Saban was willing to stand pat with his coaching staff. He had to replace a defensive coordinator and two other assistants on that side of the ball as well as shuffling one of his offensive coaches around
Game-by-game capsules - Players to watch, season outlooks, kickoff times and more.
POSITION PREVIEWS (FREE)
Quarterbacks - Lane Kiffin faces his third quarterback competition in three years.
Running backs - There's talent, but a void of experience with Derrick Henry in the NFL.
Wide receiver - This deep group with several proven options is among the nation's best.
Tight ends - O.J. Howard leads the way after a breakout performance against Clemson.
Offensive line - Alabama's blockers are still shuffling players for the right lineup.
Defensive line - Jonathan Allen headlines a stout group up front searching for depth.
Linebackers - Losing leadership from 2015 hurts, but the talent and speed is there.
Defensive backs - All-American candidates give Alabama a devastating secondary.
Special teams - The kicking game is intact but new blood will be needed at returner.