Alabama again made the College Football Playoff last season, then went on to win the national championship. But could the Crimson Tide have an even better team in 2018?

That’s what one anonymous coach believes.

Sports Illustrated interviewed several coaches before the season begins and granted them anonymity to get their honest opinions about some of the top teams in the nation. And one of them had some high praise for Alabama entering the year.

“Let’s remember: They probably shouldn’t have even been in the playoff and won the championship by the skin of their teeth. It wasn’t a totally dominant Nick Saban team. That being said, this team could be better than last year’s,” the anonymous coach told SI. “Their offense could be as explosive as it’s ever been in the Saban era. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa can make plays that you’ve never seen from a QB there before, and the new offensive coordinator, Mike Locksley, is more of a spread guy than his predecessors, so he’ll air things out. Jerry Jeudy is their next great receiver. They are very strong at running back: Damien Harris and Najee Harris are one of the best tandems in the country.”

The anonymous coach raises strong points about how the Crimson Tide can be better, especially offensively, in 2018. However, the same coach questioned Alabama’s defense for 2018.

The Tide lost a lot of talent on defense from last season, as well as defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, who left to become the coach at Tennessee.

“There’s more uncertainty on the defense. They lost eight starters to the NFL, but the big question is if they’ll take a step back with Jeremy Pruitt now at Tennessee. When you have a guy like 6-foot-7, 300-pound end Raekwon Davis, it may not matter,” the anonymous coach said. “As good as they are, nothing will come easy, because the competition in the SEC West is closing in: Auburn is loaded; LSU and Mississippi State will be a handful and Texas A&M, under Jimbo Fisher, is coming.”

Alabama will begin its quest to repeat as national champions when it opens its season against Louisville on Sept. 1.