2021-2022 CFB SEC West preview: Key players, schedule, predictions 

Alabama Crimson Tide: SEC West

Nich Saban on a casual day

The reigning SEC West and national champions return with a huge roster turnover and, as they always seem to do, have enough talent to replace the players who have gone to the NFL. As long as Nick Saban is still the head coach at Alabama, the Crimson Tide will contend for the biggest prizes every year.

Saban is one of the best coaches ever and his ability to teach, develop and win is second to none. Six championships in 14 seasons with Alabama is more than enough to name him as one of the best college football coaches ever.

I think everybody should take the attitude that we're working to be a champion, that we want to be a champion in everything that we do. Every choice, every decision, everything that we do every day, we want to be a champion. – Nick Saban

— Athletic Recruiting (@ncsa) July 14, 2021

Here's a look at the Alabama Crimson Tide's strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2021-2022 season.

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2021-2022 SEC West Conference preview: Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama's strengths: There's so much talent on the roster that it'd be unfair to appoint a single part, so we're going with the master: Nick Saban is one of the best coaches of all time and you always have a chance to get a ring with him on the sideline. He brings a lot of talent to the university every year and does a fantastic job coaching them to the next level.

BREAKING: #Alabama has secured a massive commitment from IMG Academy offensive lineman Tyler Booker! A big win for Nick Saban, Robert Gillespie (area recruiter) and Doug Marrone (position coach) over Florida, Georgia, Ohio State and Oregon- https://t.co/RHeZaNc28g #RollTide pic.twitter.com/DefGsZT5dp

— Andrew Bone (@AndrewJBone) July 16, 2021

Alabama's weaknesses: On a team that has almost none, we have a small question mark: how much will the changes in the offense affect overall production? Many stars have gone to the pros now, and Bryce Young, even though he's a five-star prospect, is still an inexperienced sophomore. Can the Crimson Tide still win the SEC West with so many changes?

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Alabama key player: Offense

WR John Metchie: In an offense dominated by Devonta Smith, Metchie had stable production, reaching almost 1,000 receiving yards as a sophomore in 13 games. He should see his workload increase a lot now that both Smith and Jaylen Waddle have gone to the NFL and, perhaps, Metchie may join them as a first-round pick in 2022.

Alabama v Arkansas

Alabama key player: Defense

LB Christian Harris: 140 tackles in two years are Harris' main credentials. Take a look at the Crimson Tide's defense last year and he's everywhere. Even though they weren't a match to LSU in 2019, Harris still managed to start on Bama's defense as a freshman. He can rush the passer, cover any receiver and read the gaps in the running game.

If he declares for the 2022 NFL draft, he'll be a first-round pick.

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2021-2022 Alabama Crimson Tide schedule:

Week 1: Saturday, September 4 vs. Miami Hurricanes

Week 2: Saturday, September 11 vs Mercer Bears

Week 3: Saturday, September 18 at Florida Gators

Week 4: Saturday, September 25 vs. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles

Week 5: Saturday, October 2 vs. Ole Miss Rebels

Week 6: Saturday, October 9 at Texas A&M Aggies

Week 7: Saturday, October 16 at Mississippi State Bulldogs

Week 8: Saturday, October 23 vs. Tennessee Volunteers

Week 9: Bye week

Week 10: Saturday, November 6 vs. LSU Tigers

Week 11: Saturday, November 13 vs. New Mexico State Aggies

Week 12: Saturday, November 20 vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

Week 13: Saturday, November 27 at Auburn Tigers

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2021-2022 Alabama Crimson Tide prediction (11-1 overall, 7-1 SEC)

It's almost impossible to predict anything other than another SEC West title for Alabama. It's worth noting that the roster turnover was huge this year and the Crimson Tide will see a lot of freshmen and inexperienced players taking the field, such as quarterback Bryce Young.

Even with so many changes and considering the fact that they're playing in the SEC West, they should be fine. We're talking about Alabama. They always find a way.