2017 National Championship Preview: Will Steve Sarkisian doom Alabama?
By Keith Rivas
After seeming unbeatable for so long, Alabama’s weakest link could be exposed in this 2017 National Championship preview.
For all of the great things that the program at Alabama has done, they may have just made a fatal mistake.
Nick Saban is running a tight ship, from coaching down to recruits. None of that was more evident than this season, as the Crimson Tide went for a big change at quarterback.
The team turned to Freshman Jalen Hurts — it’s worked out so far, I’d say.
While that transition went smoothly, it’s not necessarily easy to say the same about a recent coaching change.
Former USC head coach Lane Kiffin was relieved of his duties as Alabama’s offensive coordinator following the team’s demolition of Washington in the playoff.
In his place, another former USC coach is stepping up — Steve Sarkisian.
BREAKING: Lane Kiffin out as Alabama offensive coordinator.. Steve Sarkisian will assume coordinator duties effective immediately.
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 2, 2017
Sarkisian’s exit with the Trojans was anything but beautiful. In a battle with alcoholism, Sarkisian is hoping he can make things right.
In order for that to happen, he has to take very good care of Alabama’s offense.
Comfort isn’t the x-factor necessarily, but it’s important.
Jalen Hurts had one of the not-so-great games of his short career against the Huskies. If he has the same performance against the Clemson Tigers, the result won’t be a win.
The reason for that is Tigers quarterback DeShaun Watson.
Sarkisian is faced with the challenge of matching or beating one of the best in the nation.
Consequently, if he manages to do so, we may be able to put his troubled past behind him. If not, though, Alabama may easily regret letting Kiffin go before the most important game of the season.
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A rematch like this doesn’t come often, and it won’t come easily for the Crimson Tide.
Prediction: Clemson 31, Alabama 21