Alabama soccer may very properly produce the third undefeated nationwide championship below Nick Saban in 2022.
The Crimson Tide has the expertise all through the roster, with Bryce Younger and Will Anderson Jr. main the way in which. However undefeated seasons are few and much between, even for Saban.
All through the summer time, The Tuscaloosa Information will check out every Alabama opponent that has a shot, even when slim, to upset the Crimson Tide. Sorry, Vanderbilt.
This week, we begin with the Texas Longhorns, whom Alabama will face at 11 a.m. on Sept. 10 in Austin, Texas. It will likely be the second recreation on Alabama’s schedule.
A Texas win over Alabama is unlikely, however here is what the Longhorns do and haven’t got going for them towards the Crimson Tide.
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Why Texas can win:
Coach Steve Sarkisian
For some time, it regarded practically not possible for a former Saban assistant to beat the Alabama coach. Twenty-four coaches tried, 24 coaches failed till Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher broke the streak. Then Kirby Good added onto it within the School Soccer Playoff Championship.
There’s in all probability not about to be a run of Saban’s former assistants beating him, however Fisher and Good at the very least opened the door.
Sarkisian will goal to turn out to be the third. Having been on the workers as late as 2020, the familiarity may assist the latest Alabama offensive coordinator. Plus, he is a terrific play-caller.
RB Bijan Robinson
Alabama should cease Robinson to win. Plain and easy.
As one of many high operating backs within the nation in 2021 throughout his sophomore season, Robinson ran for 1,127 yards with 11 touchdowns. An All-Huge 12 first crew choice, he averaged practically six yards per carry. He wasn’t simple to take down, both. He averaged 3.94 yards after contact per dashing try, in accordance with Professional Soccer Focus’ charting. By comparability, Alabama’s Brian Robinson Jr., a bruising again himself, averaged 3.29.
New expertise may enhance Texas
The Longhorns signed the No. 5 recruiting class and added the No. 5 switch portal class, in accordance with the 247Sports composite. Included in that was quarterback Quinn Ewers, an Ohio State switch who was the No. 1 prospect within the 2021 class.
Final yr’s crew would have stood even much less of an opportunity towards Alabama, however the newcomers could possibly be difference-makers relying on how shortly they adapt.
Why Texas cannot win:
Offensive line questions
Will Anderson Jr., the nation’s chief in sacks (17.5) and tackles for loss (34.5) in 2021, must be excited for this matchup.
The Longhorns have extra questions than solutions on their offensive line after a season by which they allowed 26 sacks, one of many greater numbers amongst Huge 12 groups. Texas ranked No. 61 within the nation.
“Christian Jones has acquired to determine it out,” Texas defensive sort out Moro Ojomo stated in April, per the Austin Amercian-Statesman. “Andrej Karic and Jaylen Garth have to develop up. It’s time. It’s time for them to determine if it’s one thing they’re going to do. You’ve acquired seven guys coming, they usually’re all hungry.”
That is removed from a ringing endorsement of some returners. Certain, the 2022 signing class has some elite expertise with two five-star offensive linemen, however being prepared for Anderson, Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell will likely be an enormous ask within the second recreation of the season.
Can its protection cease Bryce Younger?
Defending Alabama’s quarterback may show tough for the Longhorns if they do not change their methods up entrance.
Texas averaged only one.67 sacks per recreation, which tied for 98th lowest within the nation in 2021. The Longhorns head into this season with none confirmed playmakers up entrance.
Even when Texas can enhance on that quantity in 2022, that does not imply it’ll come near slowing the Heisman Trophy winner. The defenses that beat Younger in 2021 every ranked within the high eight within the nation in sacks per recreation.
Solely second yr
Texas definitely appears primed to enhance on its 5-7 first season below Sarkisian, however there is a distinction between bettering on a dropping season and with the ability to beat Alabama.
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