Alabama has landed the No. 1 recruiting class for seven consecutive seasons. That depth has allowed the Tide to have a roster that includes more talent on their second and third string than most teams have, period.

Well, that depth has been — and continues to be — tested, as the Tide have dealt with several season-ending injuries to key starters.

How much? Let’s compare the opening day starting lineup against Florida State to the one Bama will roll out Saturday against Mississippi State.

The offense hasn’t changed. They did, however, lose depth tight end when Miller Forristall — who was expected to be the Tide’s best receiving option at the position — was lost for the year due to a torn ACL. In addition, back up center Brandon Kennedy suffered a broken leg in practice back in mid-October.

Otherwise, the offense has remained largely intact.

The defense has adjusted significantly because of injuries:

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As you can see, that’s four different starters on defense, and that’s assuming Fitzpatrick is healthy enough to play after injuring his hamstring last week.

Alabama’s front-seven has taken a beating since the beginning of the year. They’ve lost a total of four players — all linebackers.

The two edge rushers — Miller and Lewis — were expected to be Alabama’s two best pass rushers.

Also gone are Hamilton and Wilson — who both play inside ‘backer. Hamilton — the team’s second-leading tackler (40) — was the field general defensively while Wilson was tied for the most interceptions on the team (3) despite serving in a limited, rotational role.

It’s been a major blow, but there is one thing that you should notice. I said that the Tide had lost four players in their front-seven — but not necessarily for the season.

There’s the possibility that Alabama could have Miller, Lewis and Wilson back by the Playoff — should they make it — which is set to start on Jan. 1.

That’s great news, but it should also be noted that it hasn’t just been those four guys who have missed action for the Tide this season.

Here’s are some other key players who have been forced to miss time:

  • RB Josh Jacobs (hamstring)
  • LB Rashaan Evans (groin)
  • LB Anfernee Jennings (ankle)
  • DE Da’Shawn Hand (knee)

This list doesn’t include Fitzpatrick — the team’s best player. There is still the possibility that he plays, however.

Either way, this Alabama team — especially the defense — has taken some major blows in 2017.

It’s a good thing that they’ve managed to accumulate the absurd amount of depth or they would be looking at a similar situation to what Tennessee went through last year.

Still, we don’t know what level of impact losing the latest two players — Hamilton and Wilson — will have.

With No. 16 Mississippi State, No. 10 Auburn and potentially No. 1 Georgia looming, could the injuries prevent Alabama from making the College Football Playoff for the first time since it was created in 2014?