The Alabama Crimson Tide ended 2014 in disappointment with a loss in the Sugar Bowl to Ohio State. After making it to the playoffs, the Tide were a favorite for the championship, but the Buckeyes took it out from under their feet. Now the team is tasked with rebuilding a new offense without the likes of Blake Sims, TJ Yeldon and Amari Cooper. Meanwhile the Wisconsin Badgers believe they have the team built to upset the Tide yet again as the two teams face off in Cowboys stadium.
All eyes will be on the quarterback race in Alabama. Head coach Nick Saban is not jumping to announce a starter just yet. Alec Morris, Cooper Bateman and Jake Coker are the likely three candidates and all three players could see time on the field on Saturday. This is a similar situation to what Alabama had last season with Sims and Coker competing. Saban is hoping the real-live game action will help better draw a picture of who the permanent starter will be.
The Tide also must replace NFL-talent in Cooper and Yeldon. Derrick Henry steps in as the running back to beat this season. Named to several watch lists, the running back is poised to have a very big year for the Crimson Tide. The receiver corps is going to be very young for Alabama. ArDarius Stewart is the best candidate to replace the Heisman trophy nominee. Saban spent much of the offseason praising Stewart. Richard Mullaney will be another star after he transferred from Oregon State.
The Badgers will run their offense behind Corey Clement as he takes over for Melvin Gordon who departed for the NFL. However, he is running behind an offensive line that suffered injuries in the preseason. The Badgers will now start Walker Williams and Hayden Biegel in hopes they can gain chemistry quickly. Joel Stave will get the start at quarterback. He is 21-7 as a starter with a 58 percent completion rate. Stave might not have the depth at receivers this season, but he has the arm to make anyone look successful. His experience under center could be the x-factor moving forward for the team.
