By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

Follow us at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin.  Become a fan at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page

What the Crimson Tide will be looking for in their season opener against USC.

The defending national champions will open the college football season on a big stage, playing Southern Cal for the first time in 30 years. Having won 22 of its last 24 games, below is what head coach Nick Saban and Alabama will be looking for in Arlington in week one;

1. Continued Dominance Running the Football — Rounding up to the nearest tenth, the Crimson Tide have averaged at least 200 yards rushing per game in each of the past five seasons. Replacing defending Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, and his SEC record 2,218 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns, will likely have to be be done by committee. Sophomore Bo Scarbrough looks the part at 6’2”, 230 pounds and expectations for him are quite high. Speedy Damien Harris is another talented option. Alabama will make the ground game a top priority, with the offensive line leading the way at the line of scrimmage. From establishing a physical tone, to controlling the tempo each week, consistent success running the football is the catalyst for much of what the Crimson Tide plan to do.

2. Limiting the Big Pass Play — For as great as Alabama was defensively in 2015, the unit allowed some home run plays through the air. The Crimson Tide ranked 13th in the SEC, giving up 50 completions of 20 yards or more. With senior Eddie Jackson back with plenty of big games on his resume, a year of experience for a number of extremely-talented underclassmen will only help solidify the secondary. Practicing against one of the game’s best collection of pass-catchers everyday should also benefit the unit. The season-opener will be a major test; USC receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster caught 89 passes for 1,454 yards and ten touchdowns as a sophomore.

3. Efficiency at Quarterback — Redshirt junior Cooper Bateman appears likely to open the year as Alabama’s starter under center. He started the Ole Miss game a season ago, playing in six games with 52 pass attempts. Jake Coker, winning a national title as a senior, led the SEC with a 66.9% completion percentage and threw 21 touchdown passes compared to just eight interceptions. Bateman, or whoever lines up at quarterback for the Crimson Tide, will have incredible options on the perimeter to help their transition. Entering his fourth year in the program, Bateman has considerable experience working with offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.

Alabama and Southern Cal will play at 8pm ET on September 3rd at AT&T Stadium.