re: Bama Football Tidings

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Alabama had one of the most explosive offenses in SEC history in 2018, producing 522 yards (6th in FBS) and 45.6 points (3rd in FBS) per game, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and a quartet of elite receivers, and a rushing attack helmed by Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs. Harris and Jacobs are gone, but Tagovailoa and his special play-making abilities remain, therefore big numbers again are expected.

Auburn, on the other hand, has question marks at the skill positions — the biggest at quarterback. Gus Malzahn, now calling plays again and taking a more hands-on approach, will decide between Joey Gatewood or Bo Nix. Luckily for Malzahn, the Tigers return all 5 offensive linemen and have a steady stable of running backs who can carry the load while the quarterback learns on the job.

There’s little doubt as to which passing game will be better in 2019, but with Nick Saban insisting on a more balanced attack, it’s fair to wonder which offense will be better. Keep in mind, 2 years ago, when Auburn was breaking in a new QB and Alabama was returning a QB who led them to the national title game, the Tigers averaged just 3.6 points fewer than the Tide and won the Iron Bowl.

Do we expect a repeat? We break it down position by position to determine the result.
Quarterback (analysis will not be shown for the positions because of length considerations)
Major edge: Alabama

Running backs

Edge: Auburn

Receivers

Major edge: Alabama

Tight end

Edge: Tie

Offensive line

Slight edge: Auburn

Kicker

Edge: Auburn

Total edge: Alabama

Alabama set the SEC record with 684 points last season. The Tide scored quickly, too. The approach this season, with Steve Sarkisian replacing Mike Locksley, might be a bit more methodical. Longer drives and more rushing attempts might result in a lower scoring average, but don’t mistake that for a worse offense.

Alabama still has Tagovailoa and one of the best receiver units in the country, and Auburn doesn’t. While the Tigers should be improved in many areas of offense this season, the lack of experience at quarterback and receiver depth might ultimately haunt them.

Alabama averaged almost 15 more points per game than Auburn last year. Cutting that number in half should be the Tigers’ goal.

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Running backs Edge: Auburn

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"Running backs Edge: Auburn

Offensive line - Slight edge: Auburn"

Brian Stultz covers SEC football for SaturdayDownSouth.com. A graduate of Auburn University...

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AP Poll is our in a little over an hour. Hoping for #2 and as few 1st place votes as possible

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OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

JACK: Anfernee Jennings, Chris Allen

SAM: Terrell Lewis, King Mwikuta

Reserves: Ben Davis, Jarez Parks, Kevin Harris

Reasoning: Jennings and Lewis are the clear starters at outside linebacker. When 100-percent healthy, they are nightmares for opposing quarterbacks. Allen should be the first player off the bench at the position, too. As for the No. 4 option, Davis worked with the second group early in the preseason, and Harris showed flashes since the spring, but Mwikuta is the player that seems to be getting the most attention from the coaching staff ahead of the start of the regular season.

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Big news for Bama's defense: freshman linebacker Christian Harris not spotted at practice. Was the first-team Will linebacker next to Dylan Moses in Saturday's scrimmage.

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