The few weeks in between the official announcement of college football’s final four, and the actual playing of those games, seems to last an eternity. But fortunately for us all, the fifth edition of the College Football Playoff is right around the corner. Since it feels like it’s been awhile since we’ve seen any of these teams play, I’ll be doing a profile on each team’s season so far. We’ll start with the No. 1 seed, reigning National Champion, Alabama Crimson Tide:
Record: 13-0 (SEC Champions)
Wins over currently ranked opponents:
- 45-23 vs. No. 19 Texas A&M
- 39-10 vs. No. 23 Missouri
- 29-0 at No. 11 LSU
- 24-0 vs. No. 18 Mississippi State
- 35-28 vs. No. 5 Georgia (SEC Championship Game)
Average points per game: 47.9 (second most in country)
- Most points scored in a single game: 65 @ Arkansas
- Fewest points scored in a single game: 24 vs Mississippi St
- Alabama scored 50 points or more in eight games this season
Average points allowed per game: 14.8 (fourth best in country)
- Most points allowed in a single game: 31 @ Arkansas
- Fewest points allowed in a single game: 0 @ LSU, 0 vs. Miss St
Key Players:
Tua Tagovailoa, Sophomore, QB
After his second half heroics in last season’s national title, the world of college football had nothing but the highest of expectations for the ‘Bama QB. And since then, Tua has done nothing but lived up to those expectations. In 2018, Tua finished second in Heisman voting and was named a Second Team All American. He put up some crazy numbers throughout the year, and the dominance of his team actually took a toll on his final stats, as Tua rarely played at all in the fourth quarter. To put it in perspective, the other two quarterbacks seated at the Heisman ceremony, Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins, totaled 785 and 962 total snaps on the season, respectively. Tua was on the field for 575 snaps. The Hawaiian native threw for 3,353 total yards (14th most in the country) and 37 touchdowns (tied with Will Grier for 3rd most). He had a completion percentage of 67.7 (11thbest nationwide). He has only thrown four interceptions on 294 attempts.
Jerry Jeudy, Sophomore, WR
As a First Team All American, Alabama’s star receiver Jerry Jeudy has rightfully turned many heads throughout the season. Jeudy racked up 1,103 receiving yards in 2018, which only 18 receivers topped this year. His average yards per catch came out to 18.7, and he found the end zone 12 times (7th most in country). Jeudy’s stellar play earned him the honor of the 2018 Biletnikoff Award.
Quinnen Williams, Sophomore, DT
Defensive lineman Quinnen Williams really burst onto the scene this year, as heading into the season most of the attention was on Raekwon Davis when discussing the Alabama defensive line. But Williams clearly stole the spotlight as he was named a First Team All American and Outland Trophy winner. Williams stands at 6 feet 4 inches, 289 pounds. Throughout this season, he has tallied up 66 total tackles (42 solo, 24 assisted), with eight of those being sacks. Williams’ really showed up in the Tide’s shutout of LSU in Death Valley, recording ten total tackles that evening. He also had eight total tackles against Georgia in the SEC Championship.
Jaylen Waddle, Freshman, WR
Although Jerry Jeudy was Tua’s top target this season, freshman Jaylen Waddle put in his fair share of work as well. The Houston, Texas product reeled in 41 receptions for 803 yards, averaging 19.6 yards per catch. He also caught seven touchdown passes, and also found the end zone on a 63 yard punt return. Waddle only returned 15 punts this season, but totaled 226 return yards. The only freshmen in Alabama football history to record more reception yards than Jaylen Waddle are some recognizable names: Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Amari Cooper. Sure, Waddle is still a young gun, but I wouldn’t blame you for already looking ahead to seeing this kid on Sundays.
Deionte Thompson, Junior, Safety
Alabama’s defensive backfield is highlighted by their First Team All American safety, Deionte Thompson. The Orange, Texas native measures in at 6 feet 2 inches, 194 pounds. Throughout the 2018 season, he had 71 total tackles (42 solo, 29 assisted). He has been disruptive in the passing game, tallying five pass breakups and two interceptions. On top of that, Thompson has forced four fumbles and recovered one.
Other notes:
- Yes, Jalen Hurts came in for Tua in the SEC Championship and saved the day, much like the National Championship but with reversed roles. Yes, Tua underperformed in the SEC Championship prior to that point. Yes, Tua’s ankle could play a factor in the semifinal game against Oklahoma. But I think we’ve seen the last of Jalen Hurts taking snaps for Alabama. This is a definite reflection of Tom Brady and Drew Bledsoe circa the 2001 AFC Championship in Pittsburgh when Brady went down with an injury. The old vet stepped up in the clutch, no doubt. But the young guy’s minor injury won’t prohibit him from finishing what he set out to do: win a championship.
- Alabama is the only team to have appeared in every College Football Playoff. This year’s semifinal against Oklahoma will be the first time the Tide take on a Big 12 opponent in the playoff. After that game is done, ‘Bama will have faced at least one opponent from every Power Five conference in the College Football Playoff.
- Even if you hadn't watched college football all year, you'd probably guess that 'Bama is in typical form. The notions of supremacy have been on full display this season. So far, at least. To nobody's surprise, the Crimson Tide are heavy favorites to win this year's College Football Playoff.
via GIPHY
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