2016 record: 14-1, 8-0 SEC (lost in CFP final)
Coach: Nick Saban (11th year)
Sked or alive? As with Ohio State, the toughest challenges lie at the beginning and the end. Alabama opens against Florida State in Atlanta and finishes at Auburn in the Iron Bowl. Everything else is navigable.
Why they’re here: At some point, the Crimson Tide will start to show signs of decay under Saban. It won’t be this year. Not with QB Jalen Hurts entering his sophomore year, ridiculous depth at tailback and the usual influx of five-star recruits. Alabama also exited last season with a bitter taste it’s eager to eradicate.
