You’ll love this one, Alabama fans.

On Thursday, The Athletic’s Stewart Mandel explained to Paul Finebaum that he believes Alabama could have its weakest team since 2010 this season. Mandel predicts that the “flawed” Crimson Tide will finish the regular season 9-3.

2010 was also the last time Alabama lost more than 2 games in a single season.

You can sort’ve see where Mandel is coming from with the departure of Bryce Young and several important OL pieces, but that would also mean doubting Nick Saban, a defense that might be among the best in the country and about a decade of history.

As mentioned, the Tide’s defense is what makes this team dangerous. And despite the lack of a true emerging starter on offense, the Tide boasts one of the better WR corps in the SEC and plenty of production at RB in Jase McClellan.

With that said, the path to 3 losses is certainly there if Alabama is slow out of the gate under center. Texas, LSU and Tennessee can all beat the Crimson Tide on the wrong day.

We’ll get our first look at Alabama when they take on Middle Tennessee on Saturday, Sept 2. The game will be aired on SEC Network and kicks at 7:30 p.m. ET.