Alabama football schedule: Ranking 2022 opponents

Irrespective of who’s on the Alabama soccer schedule in 2022, the Crimson Tide would nonetheless be a favourite to return to the Faculty Soccer Playoff. That’s simply the character of this system Nick Saban has constructed.

However that expectation makes each recreation matter much more. Close to-perfection is required.

Which groups have the most effective likelihood to get in the way in which of that?

Listed here are Alabama’s 2022 opponents, ranked in reverse order based mostly on problem.

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12. Austin Peay (dwelling)

Right here’s the annual cupcake recreation earlier than the Iron Bowl. The main focus will likely be caring for enterprise shortly so that everybody can depart injury-free.   

11. Louisiana-Monroe (dwelling)

The Warhawks are contemporary off a 2-6 season in Solar Belt convention play. Don’t count on for UL-Monroe to tally a second all-time victory towards Saban at Alabama this season.  

10. Vanderbilt (dwelling)

As soon as once more this season, the Commodores are anticipated to be on the backside of the SEC. Switch offensive lineman Tyler Steen will likely be glad to be on the Alabama sideline on this recreation.

9. Utah State (dwelling)

The Aggies are contemporary off a robust 2021 marketing campaign, profitable the Mountain West. Utah State returns eight starters from that group, leaving it up within the air whether or not the Aggies can construct on final season. It has a tricky first take a look at, although, kicking off 2022 with a visit to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

8. Auburn (dwelling)

Something can occur within the Iron Bowl, however Auburn doesn’t look to be in a primary spot to win the SEC West. With the sport in Tuscaloosa this 12 months, this shouldn’t be one of many more durable AU groups the Crimson Tide has confronted.

7. Mississippi State (dwelling)

Quarterback Will Rogers is again, however Alabama had little hassle dealing with the air raid offense in 2021. Plus, the Crimson Tide’s protection must be even higher this 12 months.

6. LSU (away)

No recreation in Loss of life Valley is a straightforward one. It stays to be seen how shortly Brian Kelly can rejuvenate this system. If LSU can work out its quarterback state of affairs, the Tigers have an opportunity to be a little bit of a wildcard this 12 months.

5. Texas (away)

Alabama heads to Austin for the primary matchup towards former offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. There are many former Crimson Tide gamers on the roster, too, resembling tight finish Jahleel Billingsley and receiver Agiye Corridor. Alabama should make certain it doesn’t get distracted by the skin noise heading into the matchup.

4. Ole Miss (away)

Lane Kiffin will look to construct on the Rebels’ second-place end within the SEC West final 12 months, albeit with a special solid. Greater than half of Ole Miss’ starters will likely be completely different this season, however Kiffin went and added some high quality transfer-portal gamers.

3. Tennessee (away)

The Volunteers had their highest-scoring offense in program historical past in 2021. From that group, returning are quarterback Hendon Hooker, 1,000-yard receiver Cedric Tillman, main rusher Jabari Small and 4 beginning offensive linemen.

2. Arkansas (away)

The Razorbacks gave Alabama some hassle in Tuscaloosa in 2021, and now the Crimson Tide will face Arkansas on the highway. Receiver Treylon Burks went to the NFL Draft, however the Razorbacks added Oklahoma switch Jadon Haselwood. Plus, quarterback KJ Jefferson is again.

1. Texas A&M (dwelling)

The Aggies haven’t decided their quarterback but, however they need to nonetheless be the hardest matchup for Alabama this season. The Crimson Tide will nonetheless in all probability be the favourite, although.

Nick Kelly covers Alabama soccer and males’s basketball for The Tuscaloosa Information, a part of the USA TODAY Community. Attain him at nkelly@gannett.com or comply with him on Twitter: @_NickKelly