Let’s start by making sure that we’re all being reasonable as we dive into an evaluation of Alabama’s season. Most any college football teams would receive the highest grade possible for what the Crimson Tide have done this season. However, there’s not another program like Alabama. There never has been and there likely will never be again.

With history as a backdrop, it’s fair to be critical despite the fact that Alabama is 11-1, won the SEC West and will play Georgia for an SEC title on Saturday. Therefore, when I tell you that Bryce Young was a bit disappointing as quarterback this season, you should know that almost every other college football program in the nation would sell their soul to have Young as their starter. Again, this is relative.

Young may well receive the Heisman Trophy this season. However, this is a season in which no candidate has truly distinguished himself as a once-in-a-season type of player. Young is a natural choice to win the trophy that goes to the best college football player. However, did Young reach the standard at which he and his coaches would like? That’s another question.

Quarterback: A-

The only reason that Young doesn’t receive a perfect grade (A+) in this category is that there were times this season in which he just didn’t seem comfortable in the pocket — or out of it. That’s somewhat to be expected because Alabama’s offensive line wasn’t up to snuff and Young was a first-year starter. No matter the reason, Young seemed unsure as to whether he should tuck the football and run or keep his eyes downfield to keep the passing game alive. Those brief instances of uncertainty probably cost Young a handful of big plays that he could have made on the ground. However, Young improved as time when on.

There is no question that it’s better for a quarterback to keep the passing game alive as long as possible. However, Young could be more of a threat on the ground when the pocket breaks down. Again, this is nitpicking.

Offensive line: C-

Part of the reason that Young had opportunities to run this season is that he was forced to. Alabama’s offensive line gave up over 2.7 sacks per game, which ranked in the bottom quarter of the SEC. Alabama also averaged just over 4 yards per carry this season. That average also looms toward the bottom of the SEC and is just not very Bama-like.

Alabama was once known for controlling the line of scrimmage in the running game and protecting its quarterback in the passing game. Neither has been true this season. Bama’s weakness was glaring at times this season.

Receivers/tight ends: B-

Alabama hasn’t had much depth at this position during the 2021 regular season. However, the Crimson Tide has been very good when it comes to making plays for Young. Jameson Williams has proven to be one of the best long-distance threats in the nation. The transfer from Ohio State can catch a short pass and turn it into a long gain or get open deep and reel in a long pass. That has proven invaluable for the Tide this season.

John Metchie III has been more of a possession receiver who excels in front of opposing defensive backs as opposed to behind them. Receiver Slade Bolden and tight end tight end Cameron Latu have also had their moments this season, but Bama’s receiving attack has mostly consisted of Williams and Metchie. The Tide could have used more depth to keep everyone fresh and utilize more multiple-receiver sets.

Running backs: B

This is an incredibly tough position to grade because of the injuries that Alabama has had to endure at running back. Brian Robinson Jr. has been the most productive rusher by far. He topped 1,000 yards in the regular-season finale and has been a consistent threat in the passing game. Roydell Williams and Trey Sanders have certainly answered the call when depth was lacking. Both were ready when they had opportunities fill in for Robinson Jr. However, Bama is used to more options at tailback.

Defensive line: A+

Will Anderson Jr. is listed as a defensive end by some and a linebacker by others. I’ll place my praise for the sophomore right here. Wherever you list him, Anderson Jr. is a highlight waiting to happen. He’s legendarily good and deserves serious consideration to win the Heisman Trophy. Just being named a finalist for the trophy presentation isn’t enough. He deserves serious, sincere consideration. Are you listening Heisman voters?

Defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis has been a strong presence against the run and even provided a strong pass rush at times. As a whole, Alabama’s defensive line has been very good against the run. The Crimson Tide are No. 2 in the SEC in a number of rushing defense categories. If it weren’t for Georgia’s historically good defense, Bama would be tops in the SEC.

Linebacker: A

Again, Anderson Jr. can only help this grade. However, let’s look at some of the other contributors. Henry To’o To’o has been everything that one would have expected after transferring from Tennessee. He continued to make plays and became an instant leader at Alabama. Typically, newcomers have to bide their time at Bama. Not in this case.

Christian Harris has been the next best linebacker for Alabama. After Harris, there’s a bit of a drop-off in production to get to Drew Sanders. Still, there isn’t a program in the nation that isn’t named Georgia that wouldn’t trade their linebackers for this group, especially if you throw in Anderson Jr.

Secondary: C-

Alabama has been average in pass defense this season. After leading the SEC in fewest TD passes allowed the previous 2 seasons, this year they’ve already given up 20. That’s a bit strange considering the Tide’s front seven can create so much havoc. Nevertheless, Bama is in the middle of the pack in the SEC in passing defense. There is a popular theory as to why Bama hasn’t been better in pass defense. The Crimson Tide secondary is often put in pressure situations by teams that are trying to overcome a big deficit on the scoreboard. I’m sure you’ve heard that one.

That, however, doesn’t apply to this group. They’ve had more than their fair share of struggles in the first quarter when games are still very much up for grabs. For whatever reason, this just doesn’t look like a typical Alabama defensive backfield. That was certainly evident in Alabama’s lone loss this season, to Texas A&M in October.

Special teams: B

Kicker Will Reichard and punter James Burnip have been solid this season. Jameson Williams has returned 2 kickoffs for a touchdown and is averaging 37.44 yards per return. Bama has been without much of a spark from its punt return team for most of the season.

Coaching: A

If Alabama somehow wins the national title, this would be one of coach Nick Saban’s most impressive seasons. Sure, he has talent, as he always does. However, Saban has been able to get young players ready to compete at a championship level despite the losses that Alabama suffered to the NFL after last season, especially on offense. Saban has also developed a great player like Anderson Jr. and quickly integrated a transfer like To’o To’o. There’s a reason Saban is widely considered the best coach in this history of college football.

Overall: A

Alabama shouldn’t have lost to Texas A&M. There’s no denying that. The Tide shouldn’t have let the Iron Bowl against Auburn be so close. However, the Crimson Tide have remained a strong contender to make the College Football Playoff and eventually play for a national championship. Bama may not win a national title this season but being in the conversation is well worth a positive grade for Bama’s players and coaches.