SEC West - Team Losses/Impact - 2014

Capsule #1 -
Alabama:
QB AJ McCarron
WR Kevin Norwood
WR Kenny Bell
OL Kellen Williams (Primary backup)
OL Anthony Steen
DE Ed Stinson
PK Cade Foster
P Cody Mandell
LB CJ Mosley
DB Deion Belue
DB John Fulton

Possible early draftees:
OL Cyrus Kouandjio
S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
LB Adrian Hubbard

Potentially unknown returner:
S Nick Perry (Medical Redshirt)

Key Potential Signee:
Matt Elam - the best potential for the prototypical Nick Saban NG @ 6'6" and 350lbs

Schedule:
West Virginia (4-8)
FAU (6-6)
USM (1-11)
Florida (4-8)
BYE
Ole Miss (7-5)
Arkansas (3-9)
Texas A&M (8-4)
Tennessee (5-7)
BYE
LSU (9-3)
MSU (6-6)
Western Carolina (FCS)
Auburn (12-1)

Key factors:
Alabama will be breaking in a new starting QB, whose identity is still up in the air. Blake Sims has gotten the most reps, by a long shot, as the back up - however, his strength lies in his feet more so than his arm. Alabama would likely see some new wrinkles in the offensive scheme than they are used to if Blake is QB. A group of highly touted QB recruits all are wanting a shot as well, including inbound recruit Scott Cromwell. A wild cark in this is the possible transfer of Jacob Coker from FSU to Alabama. Coker was a 3* QB out of Mobile, AL who was listed a Pro Style QB but offered a great deal of athleticism and is listed as having a very strong arm. Probably a starter if not at a university featuring a Heisman winner at QB.

The OL will likely need some retooling, but not as much as it did going from 2012 to 2013. Incoming Freshman Cameron Robinson and JUCO signee Dominick Jackson look to work for immediate playing time on the line.

The secondary returns a good bit of experience at the safety position (Nick Perry and Vinnie Sunseri), but DB looks to require some work. If he signs with Alabama, then legacy Marlon Humphrey may come in immediately.

The LB corps loses its leader CJ Mosley, but learning the past year behind him has been phenom talent Reuben Foster.

The DL gets some boost from two CC signees, Jarran Reed and DJ Pettway. Also, big time recruits De'Shawn Hand and (if they sign with Bama) Matt Elam & Lorenzo Carter could also come in and play right away.

The WR corps is loaded with talent, but loses insanely clutch receiver Kevin Norwood and long time, experienced play maker Kenny Bell.

RB remains loaded. Younger players will push the current starters.

Special Teams require a new punter and kicker. K Adam Griffith is, unfortunately, best known for being asked to come in and try an insanely long FG that ended in a result that may haunt him. That said, the kicker does have an incredibly strong leg. I am not sure who is slated to take over for Cody Mandell, who became a weapon his senior year.

Synopsis:
Alabama will require some time for the units to gel, but a WVa team that was good when scheduled but has fallen on hard time provides an "easier than usual" opening game for Alabama. The next big challenge is potentially Florida in week 4, but based on this season that does not appear to be the case. Alabama may not face a decent challenge until Ole Miss in week 6, giving quite a bit of time to work out kinks in new talent at QB, OL, LB and the secondary.

Key to victory:
Nearly all of Alabama's biggest games will be against teams with strong running games (LSU, Auburn, potentially A&M depending on how the departures of Manziel and Evans impact play calling). If DL comes together quickly, and if incoming talent plays up to hype, then the primary missing piece from this year's defense may be set. Replacing Mosley's leadership will also be key.

If the DL gels and good QB play - 12-0 regular season
If the DL does not, or mediocre QB play - 10-2
If the DL does not AND mediocre QB play - 9-3