The fifth installment in our ‘Best case for 2015’ summer series is the Crimson Tide, fresh off a disappointing College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Urban Meyer’s Ohio State Buckeyes.

Despite concerns at quarterback and in the secondary, most consider Alabama as SEC co-favorites with Auburn. If the Crimson Tide plan on defending their league championship, they’re going to do it the hard way.

Best case scenario SEC series

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

2014 record: 12-2, 7-1
2015 best case: 11-1, 7-1
Closer look: Considering six other Westner Division opponents could be ranked at some point this season and the Crimson Tide battle Tennessee and Georgia from the East, expecting Alabama — with a first-year quarterback — to run the table in league play isn’t a safe bet. That doesn’t mean Nick Saban’s squad won’t have a special season, however. A 7-1 finish should ensure a trip to Atlanta where the Crimson Tide would be gunning for another SEC Championship and their second consecutive Playoff berth. Road trips to Athens and Auburn are brutal, but splitting those games (if Alabama loses one, make it Georgia) and winning the rest is a recipe for the final four. Starting 4-0 in September is essential. A loss to Wisconsin would cripple the Crimson Tide’s overall worth to the Playoff committee while beginning the league slate 0-1 against Ole Miss leaves no margin for error over the final seven SEC games.
Silver lining: Four of Alabama’s most pivotal games this fall come at home, a small blessing considering the Crimson Tide must endure the toughest road schedule in the SEC. Bye week placement is another advantage on the schedule, with the only open week in 2015 coming before Alabama’s battle against LSU on Nov. 7. By Game No. 10 at Mississippi State, the Crimson Tide will know where they stand in the conference and national polls with a clear path to Atlanta within their grasp.