Jake Coker The Alabama football team made the first annual College Football Playoff last year thanks to a strong front seven, the most prolific offense in ‘Bama history, and a formerly-polarizing offensive coordinator: Lane Kiffin. This year, however, things may get a bit rougher for the Tide and the road to the second College Football Playoff. Below I highlight three areas that might prove to be a concern for the Alabama football team. The Secondary The secondary has proved to be an issue for the Tide for the past two seasons. Last year, ‘Bama came in last in the SEC, allowing 133 passing plays of 10 or more yards. 19 of those plays were for 30 or yards or more. Nick Saban has even addressed the secondary problem at the SEC Media Days by saying: “I think it’s important that the secondary does not give up the kind of explosive plays we gave up at the end of the season last year.” However, as those who are familiar with Alabama football know, Saban is engaged in “The Process.” The secondary had not received much attention in the last couple of years. However, this off season, Saban brought in Mel Tucker to be the new defensive backs coach. Experienced as both college and NFL assistant, Tucker has a strong record with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Ohio State Buckeyes and with Saban, himself, at Michigan State. Saban has said that Tucker “is an outstanding coach all the way around and really does an excellent job in terms of teaching the players.” There is also much more stability in the secondary for the Alabama football team this year. Cyrus Jones made steady progress last year and is even healthier this year. Tony Brown has seemed to have emerged as the number one cornerback for the 2015 season. This pieces seem to have all fallen into place, rather than being a “fill in the holes” type scheme. …
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