Ten Reasons Alabama Will Win the 2009 National Championship

Here are the top 10 reasons why I think Alabama will win the National Championship in 2009:

10. No More John Parker Wilson

I'm getting sick and tired of everywhere I read an article on next year's team, someone's always talking about how bad the loss is of JPW and how will he be replaced. No disrespect to JPW (he's a good guy), but he's just not that good of a quarterback.

The only thing that saved him this year was the OL and the running game. He misses too many deep throws and his short passes have a lot of hangtime. Alabama will be better at this position next year with Greg McElroy or Star Jackson (who I think will take over quarterbacking duties).

9. Lessons Learned from Year Two

I don't think Nick Saban will give his players a lot of off time before games anymore.  He did not have Alabama ready for Utah and I think he learned his lesson. 

8. Year Three Under Nick Saban

Finally, all the players who haven't bought in are now gone. 

7. The Freshmen from 2008

All the freshmen now have a year under their belts and under Nick Saban. The best class from 2008 will showcase their talents.

6. Javier Arenas

He was the best return specialist in the country last year, I don't care what Florida fans say about Brandon James.  He is back for his senior season.  I think he'll run back at least 6 next year.  Anyone else notice how good of a tackler he is?  I think he was one of the best on the team and I saw him make a lot of open field tackles and he's also a pretty good CB.

5. Wide Receivers

Julio Jones will lead a pack of hungry receivers next year. They're hungry because they barely got the ball with JPW. There will be a more accurate QB at the helm next year and a revamped OL and that means more passes thrown.  I expect Julio to double his stats from last year.

4. Nick Saban

One of the best coaches in the country will have more of his style players next year. The recruiting class looks to be one of the best again this year. He will be even more focused next year after being so close last year.

3. Running Backs

Glenn Coffee going pro, no problem. Terry Grant wants to transfer,Terry who?  Mark Ingram will more than likely be the starter. He's more of a power back and that's why Roy Upchurch will compliment him with his speed.

Roy hits gaps at blazing speeds and he's into the secondary in just a couple of seconds.  If Trent Richardson signs then I think he may a contender for a starting role since he has the same build and ability of Ingram.

2. The Schedule

Virginia Tech is the only real team that scares me, but I think the outcome will be the same as last year's Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic. Ole miss and LSU and the only teams from the SEC who I think have a shot at beating Alabama. The rest of the schedule looks like a cakewalk, for now. 

1. Defense

I know Kevin Steele is gone to Clemson, but I say good riddence. Alabama will return nine starters on defense and even thought Rashad Johnson and Bobby Greenwood will be miss, they will have good replacements.

Rolando McClain will lead one of the best LB core in the country and with Hightower, Reamer, Aykers, Harris, Fanney, Hall, and incoming Nico Johnson. The DL looks to be even better with Terrance Cody coming back and he'll be more dangerous and more athletic than last year. The CBs will be solid and with a shutdown corner like Dre Kirkpatrick coming in, I think he will start from game one.

There probably are a few more reasons I could list or some that I just haven't thought about. So, do think there are any more reasons?