2008 was a pivotal year for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football program. It will be remembered as the year Alabama turned the corner, and became one of the major players in college football again.
In just two years Nick Saban has changed the mindset and attitude at Alabama from... can we win... to when we win.
Going 12-2 caught the entire nation by surprise and even the most optimistic Bama fans were caught off guard by this year's successes.
This year's outgoing senior class played a major role in setting the tone for the underclassmen now there, and the great players yet to come.
Players like John Parker Wilson, Antoine Caldwell, Rashad Johnson, Travis McCall, Bobby Greenwood, Nikita Stover, Marlon Davis and Nick Walker have left their mark on Alabama football.
They have Alabama fans' deepest gratitude for their dedication and hard work.
No longer is Alabama pleading with recruits to give the Tide a chance, with Coach Saban and the new enthusiasm at the Capstone, great recruits are flocking to Tuscaloosa, AL to become part of a program on the rise.
The Tide is rolling and great players want to ride that wave to fame and glory.
With what most experts assessed as the No. 1 recruiting class for 2008, and what is already predicted as another top five class coming in for 2009, no wonder Alabama fans are already counting the days until September 5, 2009. That is when Alabama kicks off its season in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA against preseason Top 10 Virginia Tech Hokies.
With Alabama returning at least 10 players on defense, Alabama looks to improve its No. 6 ranking in total defense set by this years squad. There is much to be excited about but great players like Rashad Johnson, Bobby Greenwood will be missed as leaders and contributors on defense.
On offense the Tide will need to replace long time starter John Parker Wilson at quarterback.
Coach Saban has promised open competition at quarterback starting in the Spring with the odds-on-favorites being Junior Greg McElroy, Starr Jackson and A.J McCarron. Greg McElroy has played in certain situations and really looks poised and competent.
There has also been some talk about South Carolina's quarterback Chris Smelley transferring from South Carolina to play baseball for the Tide. Interesting?
Losing Glenn Coffee early to the NFL would seem somewhat unsettling, but the return of Mark Ingram and Roy Upchurch softens that blow.
Look for incoming Freshman Trent Richardson to make an impact just as soon as he can break into the lineup. Alabama already has players like Jeremy Griffin and others on campus with some game experience at the running-back position .
The offensive line will be a question mark with the loss of Andre Smith and Antoine Caldwell.
Alabama so far has had great success recruiting offensive linemen under Saban and with incoming players like D.J.Fluker and others like Tyler Love, Barrett Jones, and John Michael Boswell already with a year under their belt things could come together quickly at that position.
Alabama loses both tight ends with the departure of Nick Walker and Travis McCall.
Tight ends Chris Underwood, Brad Smelley and Preston Dial have some game experience. So far there aren't any tight ends per say coming in with 2009's recruiting class.
45 comments Last one added 5 months ago — Leave a Comment
James Colt 5 months ago
Pretty good write up Franklin. I don't see the Tide matching 12-0, or 12-2 though. While I think the SEC East will be pretty easy to manage, with the exception of Florida, I look for the SEC West to be one of the most powerful, if not the toughest division in college next year. LSU, Ole Miss and Arkansas will all be very tough teams to compete with in 2009, plus you throw in that game with Va Tech and I don't think you will hear that Bama played a soft schedule like you did in 2008. Overall I see a 10-4 or possibly 11-3 record finishing behind LSU and possibly Ole Miss in the West.
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
James, you are right. It will be tough to match 2008 next year. The schedule is actually more favorable with LSU, Arkansas,and Tennessee all being home games.
Alabama drops Georgia next year and picks up South Carolina at home as well. Away games at Miss st and Auburn look favorable under the new coaches there. Ole Miss may be the biggest test of the year. They and LSU will be tough next year.
Winning 10 games would have to be considered a success considering the losses on offense, but do not be surprised to see Alabama back in Atlanta.
Thanks for reading buddy.
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Kreskin Annihilation 5 months ago
I think we'll lose a game (or two), but I also think that we will be back in the SEC championship with the right timing and divisional losses.
Virginia Tech --- should win
Florida International --- should win
North Texas --- should win
Arkansas --- If Mallett is looking good, this will be close
at Kentucky --- should win
at Ole Miss --- first loss
South Carolina --- should win
Tennessee --- should win, but three years in a row? Hmm.
LSU --- too close to call
at Mississippi State --- should win
Tennessee-Chattanooga --- better freaking win
at Auburn --- should win
Frankly, I'd like another crack at Florida in the SEC championship. If we can manage to take no more than one divisional loss (to Ole Miss) and maybe a loss to Tennessee, we will be golden. Ole Miss won't go undefeated in-conference.
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
Kreskin, I agree for the most part. Although Virginia Tech is ranked in the top 10 by some pollsters so I see that game as a test. I think the West will be much tougher than the East next year, so Alabama has a tougher row to hoe than Florida does, but I too hope for Atlanta.
You just never know until you start playing what to expect from other teams. Who would have expected Ole Miss to come along so fast? I knew the would get there under Nutt, but in the first year?
Thanks for your comment and predictions.
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Kreskin Annihilation 5 months ago
I was stunned by Nutt's work at Ole Miss as well. Bravo to him. It also shows the quality of talent that Orgeron had in place. It's just about the same story from Alabama: a great recruiter with little in the way of coaching chops replaced by a guy who can recruit AND maximize talent.
Now that I think about it, I have to wonder how much talent Orgeron will bring to Tennessee...
I'm the slightest shade of bitter about Florida having a much easier time of it in the East than we do in the West. Despite young Kiffin's prediction of beating UF in his first year, I think Florida may well go undefeated in their division.
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Edmon 5 months ago
If getting back the SEC is duplicating, then yes they can. If getting back to the SEC undefeated is duplicating, then I say no. James said it best, the SEC West may be one of the best divisions next year.
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
Edmon, the West will be tough, but I bet the the other West teams are looking at Alabama and thinking the same thing.
Georgia losing Stafford and Marino will help clear the way for the Gators.
Thanks for commenting
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Jonathan Denton 5 months ago
I agree, 10-2 in the regular season is what I'm expecting, maybe 11-1, however there isn't really a team that I can put my finger on as being the one to give it to us. Maybe I just don't want to give Ole Miss and LSU that much credit. I hate to say it but Florida is the truth right now. I haven't followed them to see who they're losing, etc, but Tebow has something to prove and Meyer does as well.
I like the summary for next year. Hopefully the next QB will be a lot less emotional than JPW. One thing I will disagree with is "The kicking game is in good hands with the return of Leigh Tiffin and P.J. Fitzgerald returning for their senior seasons." I'm not much of a fan of Tiffin, and haven't seen Fitzgerald play enough to have an opinion of him. Tiffin seems to crack under pressure as well.
I'm very excited for next year. I just hope the new guys come out with a point to prove as well.
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
Jonathan, thanks for commenting.
I would be happy with that record next year as well.
Quarterbacks need to be cool, but I like mine with a little fight in them as well.
On the kicker subject, Fitzgerald was solid this year.
Leigh Tiffin was better than you may think. He was ranked 12th in the stats in the nation. Most of his misses were from long range (40+ yards).
He had more long attempts than most of those who ranked above him, and Saban much believe in him because he tried a lot of long F.Gs.
He does need to improve in big games situation though, but I expect he will as a senior.
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C.W. O'Brien 5 months ago
Recruiting rankings can be a little deceptive. Last year Alabama did have the number one class, but it was also HUGE...32 prospects. As far as average stars, they ranked 6th...which I guess is just being nit-picky because it was still a great class. This year they are ranked 5th but UNC is still going to sign a few more people and so is Georgia...so they may not stay at 5th. Regardless, Nick Saban can recruit...we will see what he can actually do with them.
As far as Chris Smelley is concerned, the rules for baseball and football are different as far as transfers go. If South Carolina lets him transfer for baseball than he can play baseball immediately. If not they don't agree to it willingly, then he will have to sit a year. Regardless of how baseball works out for him, if he wants to play football for Alabama he will have to sit out at least one year...probably 2. The SEC has a rule in place where if players transfer to other teams in conference for football they have to sit out 2 years. He may be able to get it waived back to 1 if he is going to Alabama primarily to play baseball, but that is a big if.
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
C,W, thanks for reading. Recruiting is not an exact science but Alabama is improving by leaps and bounds!
Yes, my Chris Smelley comment was a little tongue in cheek, but I wouldn't doubt to seeing him with a Crimson jersey on someday.
I surely do not expect Spurrier to allow him play if he can help it because Alabama has just picked up South Carolina in the SEC rotation this year.
It is still interesting.
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J Knight 5 months ago
Franklin,
Hope you’re doing well. See you had more free time on your hands...
I liked the rundown of positions. Not necessarily because of the information you provided, instead because of what you think. I too heard that Coffee was leaving. Aren't you curious as to why? He was the first guy since Shaun Alexander I think to rush for substantial yards in a bama back field. I am not sure if the others would give me comfort at all considering that fact. McElroy looked to be fine in the lopsided win over Auburn - do you think you have the makings for a QB controversy considering Starr Jackson being there too? Who do you think will be the leader going into next year? Further, on other positions - I am surprised your not screaming for more talent - example:No experience tight ends and the fact your FG kicker isn't as great as his dad. But perhaps the talent you have will develop next season during the year?
I agree with CW on recruiting. I think last year was an anomaly for bama's recruiting as well. It was THE perfect storm. It’s hard to duplicate that effort without the numbers of vacancies it had opened in my opinion. Even then, bama technically wasn’t number one – it was slightly less – but still an excellent haul though.
Speaking of recruiting - looking at Rivals - I didn't see bama even ranked. However, I will note that most of the writers there figure bama will have a top 5 class. What is odd to me is that they aren't already ranked. Do you happen to know why?
I love optimism – even from bama fans. I'm, all for it. And you are full of it by the way. :)
But I am struck by the note of reservation in your writing. I thought you said Bama was two years ahead of schedule? Didn’t you tell me that before? Considering that you won the SEC West – don’t you think bama will at least duplicate its efforts next year? I must say, this is something here-to-fore I have not seen from a Bama fan. I am shocked. I guess the past 25 years has taught you guys some humility. And that is a good thing - I don't care who you are.
Even so, I did notice the "slam" against Auburn and Mississippi State in your comments on schedule as being “favorable” since they had new coaches. I can't speak for Auburn or Coach Chizik, but being a fan and alumni I love it when Auburn is underestimated.
Most publications and sporting authorities predicted calamity if/when Auburn fired Tubs. Their argument surrounded that with such a winning coach, Auburn would only do worse…
All I can say about that is that Auburn’s new staff is suddenly looking very formidable indeed. Heard today that on Defense, besides having Ted Roof who actually coached under Gene Stallings (last guy alive that won a NC at bama), and James Willis – we just picked up Tracy Rocker (former Auburn player who won the Lombardi trophy). He was at Ole Miss by the way.
I would say things are looking very good indeed.
Further, our recruiting didn't take the tremendous hit everyone expected or predicted. We are still #15. Chizik has salvaged a lot. We have had some losses of folks “saying” they are going to the NFL (Powers and Marks) and others who are not coming back but that does normally occur when there is a coaching change.
One thing I do like is that we are suddenly in the running again for big name recruits. I wouldn’t rule out Chizik getting a “big name or two” from the likes of Saban or Richt or Nutt.
For example, that guy you claim is a tossup between you and LSU – well – Auburn is getting a shot at him too. He has an official visit scheduled. Before, under Tubs, that wouldn’t have happened at all. He wouldn’t compete for someone in the mainstream that was being pursued by a rival school. It was his recruiting philosophy. He would characterize in such a way that the kid’s character didn’t fit Auburn’s outlook. Right. Probably one of the reasons he resigned (or got fired) in the first place.
And last, about Smelly – well, I am glad he is going to you if you are. Auburn's experience has been less than favorable when it comes to “transfer” QBs. There is normally a reason they transfer to begin with. Last time I checked, South Carolina’s baseball team was decent… the question you need to ask yourself is WHY does he want to come.
But I go back to the reservation in your voice. That is how you end the piece:
"All and all things look bright for 2009, and although 12-2 will be hard to match, fans are optimistic that Alabama will be just as tough to handle in 2009 and even more so in the future as Saban continues to build his program at Alabama."
Hard to match? How so? Your schedule is pretty light. You went from Georgia to South Carolina. ESPN has gone on record in predicting LSU and to continue to fall under Coach Miles ... of course this remains to be seen. So why exactly would bama not repeat? And your thinking that the East will be less than the West? You do know Florida will have Tebow next year right? UGA might not have Stafford and Moreno - but they will have somebody to compete.
Personally, I don't see a power structure change in the SEC. I see UGA, SC, Florida and Tenn all competing for the East. And I see bama, LSU, Auburn and Arkansas competing for the West. Ole Miss will be a change from past teams and also compete - but I think that has run its course.
War Eagle
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
J, You need to shorten your comments, there is too much to argue with and not enough time. Do you do ant research before you write or do you just wing it?
When you say Alabama is not ranked, what do you mean? Se below...
2009 early rankings
1. Florida Gators
Don't be surprised to see the Gators go wire-to-wire at No. 1 in 2009. Florida might return as many as 10 starters on defense (star junior linebacker Brandon Spikes is expected to enter the NFL draft), and much of its firepower on offense will be back, too. Quarterback Tim Tebow probably will return for his senior season, although speedy receiver Percy Harvin might turn pro.
2. Texas Longhorns
With quarterback Colt McCoy coming back for his senior season, the Longhorns once again will be as explosive as any offense in the country. Four starters should be back from a very young offensive line, and receiver Jordan Shipley was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. Texas has to do a better job of running the football in 2009. The defensive line will be gutted, and All-American end Brian Orakpo and tackle Roy Miller won't be easy to replace.
3. Oklahoma Sooners
If current sophomore Sam Bradford returns to school, the Sooners should have a high-scoring offense once again. It might not be as easy, however, for the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in 2009. Oklahoma will have to replace four starters on its offensive line, and leading receiver Juaquin Iglesias is departing. Tight end Jermaine Gresham might enter the NFL draft.
4. USC Trojans
The Trojans will start 2009 ranked in the top five, but don't be surprised if they struggle to stay there. USC's ferocious defense will be gutted by personnel losses. Three of the four starting defensive linemen will have to be replaced, and all three starting linebackers will be gone. At least one starting defensive back must be replaced, and possibly three if junior safety Taylor Mays enters the NFL draft and cornerback Josh Pinkard isn't given a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. The offense could be very good if junior quarterback Mark Sanchez returns to school.
5. Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama fans learned how valuable All-American left tackle Andre Smith was to the offense in the Crimson Tide's 31-17 loss to Utah in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The Tide will go into the 2009 season without their two best offensive linemen -- center Antoine Caldwell was a senior and Smith is entering the NFL draft as a junior. Senior quarterback John Parker Wilson is done, and Greg McElroy and Star Jackson will battle for the starting job this spring. Nine starters are expected to be back on defense -- if junior nose tackle Terrence Cody returns for the 2009 season.
*Auburn wasn't mentioned
See... http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=3818270
2009 Recruiting
1 LSU 21 4 11 5 3.86 2,578
2 Ohio State 24 1 15 8 3.71 2,318
3 Texas 19 2 13 4 3.89 2,261
4 USC 17 4 10 1 3.94 2,226
5 Alabama 20 2 10 8 3.70 2,148
*25 Auburn 19 0 5 13 3.21 1,149
See... http://rivals100.rivals.com/teamrank.asp?SID=880
Leadership is key. McClain, and Cody on defense and hopefully Johnson, Jones and McElroy on offense
2009 will be the quiet before the storm!
P.S. Rueban Randle canceled his visit to Auburn this weekend
Roll Tide!
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Timothy Croley 5 months ago
Bama should be fine. The West is not a given just because we took it this year. Bama will improve, but that doesn't mean we will win all our regular season games. Sometimes improvement comes to other teams as well, and unfortunately i think we will drop two during conference play. Hopefully Ole Miss and LSU will drop more and allow us to return to the ATL.
Beating Florida next year will be about like pulling teeth from a gator, no pun. They are on a mission to do what has never been done at UF, complete a season undefeated.
To be honest, I am really interested to see how Ole Miss responds after this past year. They were the only team to beat the national cahmps, almost beat the Tide, nearly beat the other teams they lost to. Kind of reminds me of Bama from 07, coming up just short in all of their losses.
My early predictions have the West: 1) Bama 2) Ole Miss 3) LSU 4) Auburn 5) Arkansas 6) State
and the East: 1) Florida 2) South Carolina 3) UGA 4) UT 5) Kentucky 6) Vandy
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
Timothy, I am inclined to agree about the West next year. It certainly won't be a sure thing.
I like Ole Miss and Houston is a great coach, but he is like Miles, he will always lose a game or two he shouldn't lose.
Nutts teams seem to play inconsistent football. You know they will beat Florida and lose to Vanderbilt?
Miles is a great recruiter, but a lousy game coach. I will always believe that.
The East is Florida's for the losing. Second place is between Georgia, and South Carolina.
Thanks for your input!
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Michael Matthews 5 months ago
"I like Ole Miss and Houston is a great coach, but he is like Miles, he will always lose a game or two he shouldn't lose. "
You can easily take out Miles and insert Saban. Every season he has coached in the SEC, Saban has lost a game he shouldn't have.
2008 - Utah (and don't pull out the "Utah was the better team" card. every bama fan knew going into that game it was a game they were expecting to win hands down)
2007 - ULM, Miss. St.
2004 - Iowa
2003 - Florida (which ruined the perfect season for LSU).
2002 - Auburn
2001 - Ole Miss
2000 - UAB
Your hatred for Miles leaves you blind to the facts right in fron tof your face.
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Ben Spicer 5 months ago
As a Florida fan, I was blown away by the talent of this Alabama team. I came to a realization early that this team would be talented and competitive, but man, I had no idea that they'd go undefeated in the regular season. Nick Saban deserves nothing less than a congratulations and a tip of the cap from college football fans and Bama fans alike.
So what if you lost your final two games, at least you can say you lost to a great team. I feel as though Alabama overachieved, based on my personal opinion. I didn't think they'd be this close to success this fast.
Great article and best of luck in '09.
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
Ben, thanks for the comment. I felt Alabama was on its way, but I really thought 2010 would be the year. This season was a surprise to many. I expected 8 or 9 wins at most.
This team had that certain something that led to this season turning out so good. That and few injuries made it possible. Just look what happened when we lost two key Linemen in the Bowl Game. We can't just reload yet.
It may be hard to duplicate 2008 next year, but it is possible. Leadership is the key.
Losing to Florida was understandable considering you guys are in your fourth year under Meyer and Florida is so loaded with talent. Florida has really got it going right now.
Alabama has talent as well, but with a couple more recruiting years they will be able to compete with anyone in the nation.
Congrats on the NC, and thanks for reading!
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Ben Spicer 5 months ago
Completely agree with you. The situation is the same at Tuscaloosa as it was in Gainesville; once you ditch the Shula recruits and load up on Saban's boys, your a lock for the SEC West each season as far as I'm concerned. (Pending on what the other schools do, of course, but I think Alabama has an edge)
Look at how we've hopped above SEC East competition now that Meyer's recruits are setting in. I mean, we won a championship with Zook's guys, but this team is a lot better than the '06 team if I do say so myself.
I am interested to see who becomes the Bama starting QB next season. I've heard a lot about that Star Jackson kid.
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
Ben , there are many similarities between what Florida has done and what Alabama is now doing. I hope it turns out as well for us as it has for you all.
Thanks for commenting.
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Kyle David 5 months ago
Good article Franklin. I think depth in certain areas will challenge Alabama next year, but probably be less of an issue from 2010 on if Saban keeps recruiting the way he did last year and this current year. I agree with you that Ole Miss could pose problems, they definitely have some serious momentum going into next year. It will be a very interesting year for the SEC West.
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
Kyle, Ole Miss seems to be a hot team right now. Coach Nutt took over for Coach nut-job and did a great job. Coach O' did a great job recruiting and the team just needed someone to point them in the right direction.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Ole Miss in the Top 10 by the time Alabama plays them. It will be a great game.
Thanks for your opinion.
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Lisa Horne 5 months ago
I think Bama will struggle this year. Unsettled at QB, Tebow is back at Florida, Arky will be better with Mallet in the pocket, Ole Miss will possessed and UT will be much better.
I can't see Bama beating LSU this year- their QB situation has been resolved, and they look mean. But two wins over Auburn would be sweet. I see the Tide 9-3....which is pretty nice! :)
Take baby steps. Rome wasn't built in a day!
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
Lisa, I don't know about struggling but it will be challenge to match 12 wins next year.
As far as LSU is concerned, I am not so sure LSU quarterback situation is solved.
Ole Miss will be tough and expect them to be picked up there with LSU and Alabama.
Tennessee will be better, but we get them at home and they will really be taking some baby steps for a while.
This was a special year for Alabama and I just hope Alabama fans aren't expecting an exact repeat next year. I would not be surprised to get to Atlanta, but I doubt we will arrive undefeated again.
Thanks for reading my article.
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Mark Paul 5 months ago
Men keep the Tide pride high!I doubt we match this year strictly in terms of wins and losses but I'll wager we actually look noticeably better LATE in the year.This teams quality of depth by the time of "the stretch",will be a world better.Our problem will be games 1 through five or six(yes I know there are some cup cakes in there but a new QB is always interesting)Smith is my biggest concern.Antoine was a great center but I have heard a few including Auburn's ex say that Cardwell might be the second or third best "back up center" in the country.McElroy and Jackson's development along with that juco OT(Carpenter)For those on our LB depth;McClain,Hall,Harris,Hightower,Upshaw,Watkins,Williams and NICO and Tana.My how quickly things can change.Oh ,Gator nation,as I reminded Georgia and Clemson,OL DO matter.Slow out the gate,but you don't want us after that!Congrats on the title btw,it was earned!
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
Mark, very informative comment. I've heard good things about Carpenter, I hope he is all they say he is.
I saw Cardwell play in HS. He is a good one. Of course the trick is getting the O'Line playing as a unit. I assume that is the games 1-6 problem you mentioned.
Thanks for your input!
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Cameon Shiflett 5 months ago
Franklin,
Another great write up. Very well done. I agree with a lot of what you said. I think losing Glenn Coffee might be a bigger blow than we'd like to admit but I hope not.
I am anxious to see what happens at the QB position. Greg McElroy looked really good at the Iron Bowl (obviously), but I've heard VERY impressive things about Star Jackson. I just hope whoever comes in, gets us going right off the bat pretty much. Although, our first game against VTech being their first big game...woah!
I think we will have another successful year, but maybe not as successful as this past one. I'm thinking 10-2 with the losses being to VTech and LSU. Ole Miss will be a very close game as well. They are even called the "young Bama." Kudos to Houston Nutt.
Roll Tide,
The Bama Chick
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
Cameon, every time I have seen McEroy play he has looked great. As far as Starr Jackson goes, who knows we may see both in certain situations.
I think our QB situation will be better than expected, The O'Line needs to come along pretty quick to help our quarterbacks adjust.
It should be fun!
Thanks for reading.
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Larry Burton 5 months ago
Franklin, don't forget our Tight End Smelly who has had good playing time and some good catches this year... He'll be back and we're really quite fixed at TE right now....
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
Gosh Larry, how did I miss mentioning Smelley. He has looked good the few times he has played. Saban used him as a receiver in certain situations. I will make the correction now!
Thanks for pointing that out.
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Alabama Voodoo 5 months ago
Alabama could win 12 as easily as 8 games next year. The QB situation is going to be a serious issue but could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. said it before and i will say it again...The 2010 Alabama football team scares me the most.
WDE!
Another great article by a Alabama fan! Thanks for the good read my friend!
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
AV. thanks, and I hope things are going well for you.
Lots of questions next year, but I am optimistic. 2010 should be interesting all around, by then Alabama should be peaking and Auburn should be settled down, as well as Tennessee.
Some folks won't like this, but I am going to predict Meyer's departure in 2010. You heard it here first!
Thanks for your time buddy!
RTR
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Ingram Worley 5 months ago
Franklin-nice write-up, and I share your concerns. About a month ago I wrote a quick preview to the '09 season:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/91102-a-quick-look-at-the-2009-schedule-can-alabama-crimson-tide-run-it-again
While certainly written under slightly different circumstances, I stand by the majority of what I predicted. I think we have a chance to be favored in every game. The VT, Ole Miss, LSU games may have swung a little, but a think 10-2 is a very reasonable goal, with a possibility of slightly better or slightly worse than that. If we end up winning the West again, playing Florida will be no prize, unfortunately. This is how I know I am truly too infatuated with Alabama football-I am breaking down the '09 season-IN JANUARY. We got problems, bro. ROLL TIDE.
Keep up the good work-
Ingram
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
Ingram, I'll be honest, it is hard to see 12-2 again, but Saban probably has other ideas. Our schedule is somewhat easier as far as who we play and where, so who knows. That's what makes College football so much fun!
Thanks for reading, and Roll Tide buddy!
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John Jamison 5 months ago
Hey man, I disagree with this being a pivotal year in bama ball, next year is a pivotal, that is when we are going to see if the underclassmen can step up and do what they need to do to give bama another 12-2 season.
Even then, the schedule is nowhere near as soft as it was this yaer and Alabama is really gonna have to work to obtain even a 10 -4
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
John, I have to disagree with you as well my friend, next years schedule looks easier as far as who we play where going into it. Other than the Ole Miss game all our tough opponents are at home. Last year it appeared to be the opposite.
I don't know whether 12 wins are in the cards or not, but I believe 2009 will be a season where we build toward our peak season of 2010.
When I say pivotal I mean turning point. 2008 was the turning point for the Saban era when he finally got this team's minds right.
Thanks for commenting.
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BabyTate 5 months ago
Easy win to start off the season with VPI who always starts slow until Beamer figures out what plays to call to beat the ACC teams.
Smelley to Alabama would be a plot by Spurrier to destroy the Bama football program but for the fact he's from Bama and is going to play Baseball. That's a good move, he's no quarterback. If Bama would like, I'm sure a transfer for Tommy Beecher can be arranged also.
Ole Miss is up and rolling. LSU will be good. Alabama is going to be better than people expect. Gonna be a great SEC West in '09 as Arkansas will be improved and, Auburn has to be better. (Don't they?) I can't say much for Mississippi State's chances.
Do you realize that Wyoming and Utah came out of the Mountain West Conference this season and beat Tennessee and Alabama in the south? And we've always known BYU could play.
This is one of the really excellent articles of the week. Thanks for the heads up.
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
Baby Tate, Thank you. I tried to keep it short and direct. I have to agree with everything you said and that is unusual for me. Ha!
Yeah, I had already thought about Wyoming. In fact I mentioned it to some Alabama fans when arguing with them about Utah being tough prior to the Sugar Bowl.
Utah whipped Wyoming and Wyoming whipped Tennessee. They weren't buying, I wondered if they remembered the warning later?
I love the way they play football out there, they are tough, hard nosed and the play hard!
They did to Alabama what we had done to so many teams this year, they jumped on us and got us out of our game.
I take it you don't like Smelley?
Thanks for taking the time to read B.T!
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Kreskin Annihilation 5 months ago
Agreed, BT.
VTech ain't that good, y'all. I watched three of their games this year, and I didn't see anything special. Also, Saban will have plenty of time to prepare the kids for this one.
I have a contact on a national sports site who is the key recruiting guy, and he is raving about several of the kids that are coming up in Alabama. He said that Fluker is a killer, and that we have some big-time studs coming through on the OL. Trent R. @ RB is going to be strong. He also says that Norwood is as good as advertised, as I mentioned earlier. Nico Johnson will also be a key cog for our team in more ways than one.
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
Kreskin, you sound pumped about the future, and so am I!
Thanks for the comment.
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Kreskin Annihilation 5 months ago
Thanks for the great articles! Hell, I have tumbleweeds going through my last piece. >.<
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
Kreskin, great line, can I use it? Tumbleweeds... classic!
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Kreskin Annihilation 5 months ago
Go for it. And hell, do me a favor, if you would. Go read the durn thing and let me know if it just sucked, or if I tagged it wrong, or what?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/109921-college-football-voters-dont-watch-all-of-the-games-and-that-bugs-me
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John Jamison 5 months ago
I see what you are saying, thanks
Keep writing great articles!
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Franklin Crittenden 5 months ago
John, thanks for the encouragement! San Diego, a great place to live!
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