The Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers took turns winning the last two BCS Championships. Some 2011 college football predictions and media experts made Oklahoma their BCS pick this year with Alabama No. 2. If the Sooners and Crimson Tide live up to preseason predictions, we'll see them battle for the BCS championship next Jan. 9 at the New Orleans Superdome, site of the 2012 game. It might be advisable, seeing how the Southeastern Conference has won five straight BCS titles, not to bet against Alabama.
At Alabama, replacing a few debarting All-Americans from the previous year is not nearly as big a deal it would be at other schools. The South is full of great talent and most of the best list Tuscaloosa as their favorite destination. There were some great players who've moved on to the NFL. Marcell Dareus was a beast on the defensive line and Mark Ingram won a Heisman Trophy during his stay. It's no big deal. Coach Nick Saban has a roster full of capable players ready to become the next All-American. If you thought Ingram was good; wait till you see Trent Richardson. This is another kid with Heisman Trophy type capability. He's played plenty in his two years there but he was not the No. 1 guy.
At Alabama, replacing a few debarting All-Americans from the previous year is not nearly as big a deal it would be at other schools. The South is full of great talent and most of the best list Tuscaloosa as their favorite destination. There were some great players who've moved on to the NFL. Marcell Dareus was a beast on the defensive line and Mark Ingram won a Heisman Trophy during his stay. It's no big deal. Coach Nick Saban has a roster full of capable players ready to become the next All-American. If you thought Ingram was good; wait till you see Trent Richardson. This is another kid with Heisman Trophy type capability. He's played plenty in his two years there but he was not the No. 1 guy.
The Quarterback battle to fill the void left by Greg McElroy has been raging through Spring and into fall camp. To this day, neither AJ McCarron or Phillip Sims have won the roll. Or if they have, Saban's mum about it.
On defense Alabama has several playmakers back and willing replacements for those who've left, like Darius and his bookend partner Luther Davis. So Saban reaches down and pulls up Damion Square. Dareus and DavisThese were responsible for 43 combined tackles last year so the new kids will need to step up there. Here's the good news; while the Tide need to replace some of its defensive line several defensive playmakers return like Linebackers Dont'a Hightower and C.J. Mosley. Leading the secondary will be Mark Barron.
The Crimson Tide have a great chance to achieve great things in 2011 but its not automatic. Dotting the 'Bama schedule are six teams ranked in the Top-25, five of them SEC teams and three of those are in the same division, the SEC West. So there are several land mines the Crimson Tide must avoid. Fortunately, two of the most threatening opponents, No. 14 Arkansas and No. 4 LSU come to Tuscaloosa. One potential trouble spot will be the Tides trip to play No. 21 Mississippi State at Starkville.
Alabama Crimson Tide College Football Predictions and Odds:
(odds provided courtesy of BetOnline.com
Total Alabama 2011 wins (over/under):10 Over (+145) Under 10 (+115)
Alabama odds to win SEC West: -150
Alabama odds to win SEC Championship: +130
Alabama odds to win BCS Championship: +400
Trent Richardson 2011 Heisman Trophy odds: +1000
