Alabama Crimson Tide 2009 College Football Picks: In just his second season at the helm, head coach Nick Saban had the University of Alabama back in national title contention a year ago. Alabama won’t be sneaking up on anyone this season, but you can bet that Saban will have his squad ready for another run at the title. The college football picks experts at online sportsbook SBG Global has the Alabama Crimson Tide listed at +2200 odds to win the 2010 BCS National Championship Title.
#6 UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
2008 Season Record: 12-2
2008 Final Rank: 6
Returning Starters on Offense: 4
Returning Starters on Defense: 9
Pros: Although Alabama will have a new quarterback in junior Greg McElroy, the passing game should again be strong as the Tide return explosive receiver Julio Jones (58 catches, 924 yards). Sophomore Mark Ingram rushed for 728 yards and 12 touchdowns in limited action a year ago, and could emerge as a star this season. The defense was among the best in the nation a year ago (7th in points allowed, 3rd in total defense) and returns nine starters. The front seven has size, athleticism and experience, let by nose tackle Terrence Cody and linebacker Rolando McClain.
Cons: The offensive line must replace three starters, including All-American Andre Smith. McElroy should step right in after spending three years backing up John Parker Wilson, but Alabama has no other experience at the position if McElroy struggles or is injured.
Surprise Stat: Javier Arenas led the SEC with 650 punt return yards while returning three punts for touchdowns a year ago. The Crimson Tide have had the top rated recruiting class in the nation each of the last two years and the result is a tremendous number of talented players who will be competing with each other for playing time. Offensive lineman D.J. Fluker could see immediate action as a replacement for Smith. Running back Trent Richardson could also step into the lineup this season.
The college football picks odds makers at SBG Global have the Alabama Crimson Tide +350 odds favorites to win the Big 12 Conference Title.
Overall Outlook: If McElroy can step right in at quarterback, the Tide should be on par with the team from a year ago. However, the SEC West is going to be a competitive division with Alabama, LSU and Ole Miss all projected by many as top 10 caliber teams.
Big Game: McElroy will get quite a test in his first start, as Alabama will play ACC Champion Virginia Tech on September 5th in Atlanta. The Hokies are known for their pressure defense and could make things miserable for McElroy if the revamped offensive line isn’t up to the test.
Key to Success: An ideal combination of size and explosiveness, Julio Jones is one of the best receivers in college football. He will take pressure off of McElroy and could earn All-American recognition this season. After losing their last two games a year ago, Saban will undoubtedly have his team ready and motivated for another run at the conference and national titles.
Online Sportsbook SBG Global has posted the following odds to win the 2010 BCS National Championship:Alabama +2200
Arizona St +7000
Arkansas +7000
Auburn +9000
Boston College +7500
California +2200
Cincinnati +8500
Clemson +7500
Colorado +8500
Florida +150
Florida St +4000
Georgia +7500
Georgia Tech +1200
Illinois +4500
Iowa +8500
Kansas +4500
Kansas St +8500
Kentucky +8500
Louisville +8500
LSU +3200
Miami FL +3200
Michigan +8500
Michigan St +1700
Missouri +8500
Nebraska +4500
Notre Dame +1200
Ohio St +800
Oklahoma +650
Oklahoma St +2700
Oregon +4500
Penn St +1500
Rutgers +4500
South Carolina +8500
South Florida+5000
Southern Cal +600
Tennessee +8500
Texas +650
Texas A&M +8500
Texas Tech +6500
UCLA +8500
Utah +1200
Virginia Tech +1700
Wake Forest +8500
North Carolina +4500
West Virginia +6000
Wisconsin +6500
Field (All Others) +1200
