Pre-Season SEC Power Rankings

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Nov 23, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Kenyan Drake (17) carries the ball up the field against Chattanooga Mocs defensive back Dee Virgin (19) during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

1. Alabama

Last Season: 11-2 (7-1)

The Good: The Tide could be very, very good on offense in 2014. If quarterback Jacob Coker pans out, they could be unstoppable. Alabama has the best trio of running backs in the nation in TJ Yeldon, Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake, plus a solid offensive line, and All-American candidates Amari Cooper and OJ Howard at wide receiver and tight end, respectively.

The Bad: Discipline issues and legal problems are becoming all too common in college football today, and though Alabama certainly is not the only team affected by the mistakes student athletes make in the off-season, the Tide was hit hard on defense. Starting defensive lineman Brandon Ivory, and expected contributors Jarran Reed Tim Williams were suspended in early August for team rules violations.

The Ugly: The non-conference schedule is ugly. Sure, playing West Virginia in the season opener looked a lot more difficult a couple of years ago. And yes, Auburn played both Florida Atlantic and Western Carolina last season, but Alabama also plays a Southern Miss squad that has won one game combined in the last two seasons. With regular rival Tennessee and a rebuilding Florida on the slate from the East, the conference schedule could be tougher also.

Position-By-Position Ranking (Out of 14 SEC Teams)

Quarterbacks – 8th

Running Backs – 1st

Wide Receivers – 1st

Tight Ends – 1st

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