Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Alabama Could Make Noise Again in 2011

Most college football teams would love a 10-3 overall record. But most college football teams aren’t like the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Tide “slipped” to a 10-3 mark last season after winning the national championship in 2009. Coach Nick Sabin’s team had to watch bitter rival Auburn take the 2010 crown.

But Alabama could contend for another championship this season.

And if the Tide contends it will ride the defense. Alabama returns nine starters including linebacker Dont’a Hightower. Other top players include another linebacker Courtney Upshaw and safety Mark Barron.

The most unsettled position on the team is the quarterback. Former starter Greg McElroy is gone and A. J. McCarron and Philip Sims will battle for the top spot. The winner will find comfort handing the ball off to running back Trent Richardson. Richardson rushed for 1,451 yards in a reserved role last season.

Sabin will again be a motivating force. The guy can coach. The people at Alabama think so too. Sabin’s bust now graces the outside grounds of Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Football is like a religion in Alabama. A banner season might ease some of the pain suffered from the damaging tornado last April in Tuscaloosa where the university is located.

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