Alabama
Last season's record: 14-1.
Reason for optimism: The defense might lose a ton of talent from last season's squad, but the offense is in position to make up for that with the reigning SEC Offensive Player of the Year back at quarterback, a deep crop of tailbacks and arguably the best receiver in the SEC.
Cause for concern: Sure, Alabama is used to replacing stars on defense. And, yeah, there are four- and five-star players for days. But when you lose a Reuben Foster, a Jonathan Allen, a Tim Williams and a Ryan Anderson all at once, your front seven and your ability to affect opposing quarterbacks won't be the same.