SEC Football: Way-too-early 2015 Power Rankings

Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and his team celebrate with the trophy after the 2014 SEC Championship Game against the Missouri Tigers at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Missouri 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1: Alabama Crimson Tide

2014 Finish: 12-2, 7-1 SEC, 1st in SEC West, SEC Champions
Key Losses: QB Blake Sims, RB T.J. Yeldon, FB Jalston Fowler, WR Amari Cooper, WR DeAndrew White, OL Austin Shepherd, OL Arie Kouandjio, DL Jarran Reed, LB Reggie Ragland, LB Trey DePriest, LB Xzavier Dickson, DB Landon Collins, DB Nick Perry
2015 Recruiting Class: No. 1 in nation (26 commits)
2015 Prediction: 1st in SEC West

Win, restock, reload…wash, rinse, repeat. Nick Saban has this down to a science at Alabama, and despite losing what is practically a complete team, the Crimson Tide will be the team to beat once again.

The biggest question will be who will play starting quarterback. But Saban always manages to find the right guy, and this season will be no exception. Replacing Yeldon and Cooper will be no easy task either, but Saban has a lot of talent waiting in the wings.

The second year under Lane Kiffin on offense should be interesting. Kirby Smart’s defense will make improvements, particularly in the secondary.

The thing to watch for this year’s Alabama team will be the infusion of youth. A lot of these top recruits are going to be expected to produce right away, and that could trip things up for the Tide.