The Alabama Crimson Tide kicks off its 2023 campaign at home in Bryant-Denny Stadium this Saturday against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. The Blue Raiders are coming off an 8-5 season that was capped off with a 25-23 victory in the Hawai’i Bowl against San Diego State. Alabama opens as a massive favorite, and for good reason, but Middle Tennessee has some players that could give Alabama some fits.
The good news for Alabama is that the Raiders don’t return their starting quarterback or top three receivers from a season ago. Nick Saban and Alabama should be able to pick the matchups they want to expose and start 2023 with a win rolling into the showdown with Texas.
The top six players Alabama football must keep an eye on heading into the season opener:
RB – Frank Peasant Jr.
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Peasant was the Blue Raiders’ leading rusher last season with 182 carries for 774 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s also a massive asset in the passing game as he had 28 receptions for 286 yards and two scores in 2022.
WR – DJ England-Chisolm
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England-Chisolm is Middle Tennessee’s top returning receiver in terms of yards from last season. He reeled in 23 receptions for 366 yards and four scores, one of which he took 98 yards to the house. With a greater role in the offense, he could be a special player.
WR – Elijah Metcalf
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Similar to England-Chisolm, Metcalf will be the other top returning receiver for the Blue Raiders. In 2022, Metcalf caught 26 balls for 309 yards and two scores and he will only be a redshirt sophomore this year.
K – Zeke Rankin
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As funny as it may seem to list a kicker, Rankin is a huge weapon for Middle Tennessee offensively. He was automatic on PATs last year going 45/45 and making 16/19 FG attempts. He only missed one kick inside of 40 yards.
FS – Tra Fluellen
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Fluellen might be the best player on the Middle Tennessee roster on either side of the ball. He led the team with 104 total tackles from the Safety position last year, second on the roster finished with 76. Fluellen has a knack for finding himself in the right place at the right time and tacked on two interceptions and eight passes defended.
EDGE – Zaylin Wood
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Wood was a monster on the defensive line last season for the Blue Raiders as he tied for the team lead in sacks with 6.5. He also had 34 total tackles, an interception that he scored on and recovered two fumbles. Marley Cook also posted 6.5 sacks and is another player to keep an eye on defensively.