It is time for some self-evaluation, SEC fans.

While everything is gumdrops and roses to most people at this point of fall camp, we’re going to opt to do some forward thinking rather than lapping up all the coach speak about who has exhibited high-upside potential in a helmets-only workout.

Let’s have some “real talk” about your favorite SEC program, assessing what the strengths and weaknesses may be as the 2015 season inches closer. Some of these items will be more serious than others, so let’s have some fun along the way.

We’re starting this look around the league with the defending SEC champions.

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE: 2015 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

Projected offensive starters

Strength: RB Derrick Henry
The stream of successful running backs never stops under Nick Saban. From Glen Coffee to Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson to Eddie Lacy, and Lacy to T.J. Yeldon, it seems like it is simply a “next man up” philosophy for Crimson Tide running backs. Expect more of the same in 2015, as Derrick Henry, who has the upside to be the best of them all, inherits the lead role on an Alabama offense that needs a “sure thing” in the backfield this season.

Weakness: The quarterback position.
Until the Crimson Tide settles on a QB, and that player exhibits the ability to make plays in a conference game, Alabama fans have to be nervous about how things could turn out in 2015. While both Jake Coker and David Cornwell have shown flashes of being the kind of player that could flourish in Lane Kiffin’s offense, neither has done it with the consistency the coaching staff would like.

Projected defensive starters

Strength: LB Reggie Ragland
Returning such a consistent presence in middle of the defense has to be a good feeling for defensive coordinator Kirby Smart. Ragland will again be one of the nation’s premier linebackers and one of the emotional leaders on a stout Crimson Tide defense.

Weakness: DB Geno Smith
This has less to do with ability and more to do with poor decision-making skills off the field, which could be detrimental to the team on the field at any given time. Smith was arrested in March for driving under the influence, which was his second such offense since 2013. Saban opted not to dismiss him and he is expected to replace Nick Perry at the safety position this season. Also, Alabama lost its top three safeties from 2015, including Perry and second-round pick Landon Collins.

Position Units

Strength: Defensive line
Alabama had one of the nation’s best run defenses last season. Guess what … the gang is back together on the defensive line. Jarran Reed, A’Shawn Robinson and Jonathan Allen could be the best defensive front in the SEC, and perhaps in the country. Expect the Crimson Tide to control the line of scrimmage against many of its opponents this season. The ability to stop the run should come in handy next month against a Wisconsin program known for pounding it out on the ground.

Weakness: Wide receiver
This one could change by October if some playmakers emerge, but as of right now there are plenty of questions that need to be answered on the outside for the Crimson Tide. Last season, Amari Cooper was practically a one-man show in Lane Kiffin’s offense. It was a No. 1 hit type of show, but it did little in the way of developing alternatives for his departure. Both Robert Foster and ArDarius Stewart offer some upside here, as evidenced by their spring game performances.

Schedule

Strength: Neutral-site opener
The gauntlet of the SEC West schedule is well-documented and should be properly accounted for by the College Football Playoff selection committee, but the Crimson Tide did itself a big favor with the neutral-site season opener against Wisconsin. It shows the committee a willingness to play a Top 25 program away from Bryant-Denny Stadium, and a win here should be all the Crimson Tide needs in the way of an impressive win on the out-of-conference slate.

Weakness: SEC East draw
This is just bad luck for the Crimson Tide. Not only do they face the toughest SEC West slate since divisional play began, they also drew the teams picked to finish first and second in the SEC East as their non-divisional games. Tennessee is a known quantity as a permanent rivalry game, but the trip to Athens to play Georgia on Oct. 3 could be a game that shakes up the season.

Fan Base

Strength: High expectations
The Crimson Tide lost nine starters from last year’s offense, and the expectation is still a national championship. The expectations are what drives the Alabama football program to greatness. Saban has no room to rest on his past accomplishments here, and ultimately that has to be one of his driving factors to continue being successful. It creates a “must-win” mindset that trickles down to the players.

Weakness: High expectations
That’s right. I’m listing the same thing as the Alabama fan base’s strength and weakness. While the expectation levels may be a driving force for success, they’re also unbearable to the rest of us. Most SEC fan bases would kill for an 12-win season that ended in the College Football Playoff semifinals, so please stop moping around like you just endured a 5-7 season in 2014, Tide fans.