Of note for Wisconsin:
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/badgers/badgers-battling-injuries-in-camp-b99558087z1-322117291.html
I'm not really sure what to expect from Alabama's offense this season. You'll see Kenyan Drake lining up all over the field, don't think it's a Henry #1, Drake #2 type deal. Before he broke his leg, Kiffin was putting the ball in his hands nearly as much as Amari's. He's obviously coming off that horrific injury, and has been slowed by a strained hamstring the last few days, but if he's ready to go, I'd expect him to get 15-20 touches a game. It's time for OJ Howard to live up to his potential, but who knows if he will finally step it up. He is only a junior I guess. OL will be spectacular at LT and C, solid at the other 3 spots. Can't afford an injury to Cam Robinson. If he goes down, our C is his backup, so shakeup all over the place. We have a lot of good players, but are pretty short on experience. Same for WR. Haven't heard anything out of practice to get me excited for Mullaney, but I have to imagine he'll emerge as a reliable player. Robert Foster may have finally had the light come on. Ardarius Stewart is a burner who will be the deep threat. Chris Black came in with a lot of hype (rated higher than classmate Amari Cooper), but has yet to make much of an impact. He's a starter now almost by default. Hope he can take advantage of it. There have been rave reviews about Calvin Ridley, basically comparing him to Julio and Amari in potential. Might not make much of an impact game 1, but could be a playmaker later on. At RB, we know the names Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake, but after them, there's not much. A lot of attrition at this position last couple of years. As a side note, watch out for Alvin Kamara at Tennessee. Left Alabama after constantly being on Saban's bad side, hearing he's gotten his head straight. He is an absolute baller. Anyway, we have a huge RB that's never taken #1 RB carries, his backup who has issues with fumbles and injuries, and a true freshman (who is a prototypical Saban RB, but still a TF). Bo Scarborough could be a special player, but he's suspended for the first 4 games and is rehabbing from ACL surgery. Health at this position is critical for Alabama this season. As for QB, Jake Coker remains the betting favorite to start the Wisconsin game, and most likely all season. I've heard from some decent places that he has been the most consistent of the QBs, but he has yet to end the competition (at least if Saban is to be believed). He has a foot injury he's dealing with, missing a few days of practice. I'm guessing we'll know more after the scrimmage this Saturday as we will undoubtedly turn to Wisconsin prep by the end of next week and we need to start making sure the starter is getting starter reps.
On defense, I'll try not to sound like a lunatic fan, but we're going to be good. Really good. The DL is the best and deepest we've had since Saban got here. Lot of talent at LB led by Ragland. Secondary took some lumps last year, especially against AU and tOSU, but a lot of guys got a lot of playing time. Moving Eddie Jackson to S, combined with Geno Smith (both converted CB) gives us a little more athleticism at S than we've had in the past, which should help against the spread formations. Maybe not so much against Wisconsin, Arkansas, LSU, and UGA though, but the front 7 makes up for that IMO. Also, it sounds like Minkah Fitzpatrick has really shone so far, and Saban has raved about his talent and work ethic multiple times. Starting a TF at CB is concerning, but we've done it before with Kareem Jackson and Dee Milliner (in nickel and dime).
On special teams, expect more inconsistency from the FG kicker Adam Griffith. He has some kind of vertebrae fracture that he has played through his whole career. Some days he's fine, others he can hardly walk. So, I foresee him making 3 45+ yarders one game, missing chip shots the next. JK Scott is likely the best punter in the country, so no real concerns there. Coverage units are usually pretty strong, but have been prone to breakdowns given our propensity to put a lot of really talented, but really inexperienced players on these units.
Specific to the first game, I think Schrute hit the nail on the head in that Wisconsin will be unable to take advantage of Alabama's weaknesses on defense, but after last year's debut against WVU, I'm not sure that we will be consistent enough drive to drive to put a ton of points up on a pretty good defense. If we cover the 10-11, I think it will be because Wisconsin doesn't score more than 14 points, which given Wisconsin's losses on offense and OL shuffling during fall camp, isn't much of a stretch. I'll know more once things start leaking from Saturday's scrimmage, but if we go into the first game with a QB tryout ongoing, I wouldn't expect a remarkable performance on that side of the ball. I haven't seen the number yet, but I endorse an under play if it's over 51. No play for me on the line
