Even with losing All-American pieces on defense and guys like Calvin Ridley and Bo Scarbrough on offense to the National Football League, media personnel still believe the University of Alabama will have no problem returning to the College Football Playoff.
Since its origin in 2014, the Crimson Tide has been the lone school chosen for the playoff in its first four years. After winning last season’s national title versus Georgia, Athlon Sports has Nick Saban’s group as its top-ranked team in the top-25 heading into the 2018 season.
Not having Da’Ron Payne at defensive tackle hurts, but Raekwon Davis and Isaiah Buggs will secure the front line at both end spots.