NCAAF Where Alabama ranks in ESPN’s Football Power Index after Week 1
Week 1 of the 2023 college football season is now complete and each team now has a game under its belt. Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide handled their business over the weekend with a 56-7 drumming of Middle Tennessee State.
While you can’t take a ton from a win over a Group of Five program, the Crimson Tide showed some promising signs against the Blue Raiders.
The real test for Alabama will come this weekend when they host Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns.
As we wait for the highly-anticipated Week 2 matchup, let’s take a look at ESPN’s Football Power Index which uses an algorithm to determine which teams are the best from an analytical standpoint.
FPI: No. 1
ESPN’s analytics have the Crimson Tide as the strongest program in college football. This won’t be reflected in the rankings, but it’s something to keep in mind moving forward.
Strength of Record: No. 33
Through one game against Middle Tennessee, this will change within the coming weeks as the Crimson Tide play some ranked opponents.
Strength of Schedule: No. 81
Not only is Alabama a strong team, but they are having to face other powerful programs. Iron sharpens iron. While it might lead to some close calls and scary games, Crimson Tide fans should understand that winning those games will make it harder and harder for voters and committee members to not rank Alabama at, or near, No. 1.
Remaining Strength of Schedule: No. 8
This will change drastically as the season continues, but it won’t be an easy path for Alabama to run the table.
Overall Efficiency: No. 8
Efficiency is the name of the game. I would expect this rating to move a little bit closer to No. 1, as Tommy Rees and Kevin Steele get a bit more comfortable early on this season.
Offensive Efficiency: No. 13
Tommy Rees called an impressive game against MTSU, but the first true test for him will take place in Week 2 against Texas.
Defensive Efficiency: No. 23
Heading into this season, Alabama’s defense was expected to be strong, and they looked the part in Week 1. Texas will challenge this defense in Week 2.
Special Teams Efficiency: No. 14
Is there really ever any true doubt when it comes to Will Reichard and the rest of the special teams unit? The offense is trying their hardest to only bring him out for extra points and to keep James Burnip from ever seeing the field.
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