The 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama had a tremendous year in 2008. 12-0, 8-0 in the conference, perfect year. Many began to wonder after the postseason, though. 0-2, 0-1 in conference play, what happened to the miracle that was granted upon the Crimson and White?

This question went through every Bama fan's head in the postseason. The loss to Florida in the SEC Championship was respectable, mostly because we had our ups and downs during that exciting nail-biter.

I, and many others, are not mad or griped up on that specific topic, because the Gators of Florida went on to become the true No. 1 team, beating the Sooners of Oklahoma.

This game was not a shocker because (and I'm not saying I saw it coming) I wasn't expecting it to be a huge win for either team. Alabama was just simply out-played in that game. That's all there really is to it.

The bowl game for Alabama was really a stunner. I remember telling my buddies, "Dang man! We are going to be playing Utah in the Sugar Bowl!" and after repeating "man," a couple of times loudly, i said, "they SUCK! Does the BCS think that's all Bama can handle? UTAH?"

It appeared to me that it was going to be an easy win for the Crimson Tide. My words backfired. Alabama and Utah were almost evenly matched in skill, but NOT on paper.

The upset-minded Utes were ready for anything Saban threw at them. This Utah team was not going home without a Sugar Bowl win. They didn't doubt themselves for one minute in that game.

I believe Alabama was not feeling the same. They were thinking it was going to be the easiest win of the season. Saban knew this, too. Saban tried to get them to stop believing this nonsense. He told them it was time to get their eyes on the prize.

Bama really had no answer for the Utes. In the end, when the smoke was clear, the Utah Utes were crowned Sugar Bowl Champions, making the Crimson Tide 0-2 in the postseason.

Now, let's get to the point. I explained what got us to 2009. It's time to talk about 2009, starting with the first game of the season, Virginia Tech.

This will be Alabama's third game straight away from T-Town, and their third straight in a dome. Last year at this time, Alabama beat Clemson on the same field. This year, it won't be so easy.

Virginia Tech is a top 10 team going into the 2009 season, and they very much deserve that spot. They won the Orange bowl over Cincy in January, making them 10-4 for the season.

This team is a dominant force in the ACC. They will be a huge match for the Crimson Tide. Alabama will have to fight hard, but i believe they can pull it off. I think the winner of this game will be in the top five.

Now, let's go on. The next four games will/should be easy wins for the Tide, but never under-estimate the Razorbacks of Arkansas.

They've proven themselves time and time again. They beat LSU last season in a dandy! They also beat Auburn (20) and Tulsa (19), who were supposedly good teams at the time. This proves that they are dominant when it is crunch time.

Kentucky may also be a challenge. In 2008, they put up a fight against Alabama. Although they did not win, it was a tough test for the Crimson Tide.

Ole Miss is the team to beat in the SEC West this year. They capped off their 2008 season with a huge upset over Texas Tech. This should raise some eyebrows for 2009.

Ole Miss also had another 2008 upset over Florida, as the Snead led Rebels triumphed over the Gators in the Swamp!

They are definitely one of the best teams in the SEC coming up this season, and they will give Bama a fit, but they may not come out alive. Playing at home will help the Rebels a lot, but Alabama has overcome plenty of road crowds in 2008.

Remember LSU in '08? Saban's first trip back to Baton Rouge, and Alabama won in over time.

What about the loud crown in Athens? Georgia was shut-out in the first half! Alabama will have no trouble with the crowd, but more trouble with the team.

Now, Saban will get LSU in Tuscaloosa; this time, both teams will be stronger! A great game will be in store for us on Nov. 7 as the Crimson Tide take on the Tigers! LSU had a great recruiting class, and I believe they have a serious shot at a great 2009 season.

LSU may come out of T-Town the winners, but I doubt it. With most of their starters coming back on offense, the Tigers will have troubles in this game.

Saban wants this win badly! He also needs this win. If Saban can get this win, it will give him a head start on his record against his old team. Becoming 2-1 against the Tigers is all Saban wants. I believe he can get it.

Finally, the Iron Bowl. The greatest rivalry in all of college football. This season's game should live up to the hype, as I believe both teams should have great seasons.

I think that if Auburn can get off to a hot start in their season, beating Louisiana Tech, West Virginia, and Ball State, they will have a good season and a respectable record going into the gridiron rivalry.

Both teams have a chance of being in double digit wins going into this game. If they can pull it off, this will be a great game. I doubt that Auburn will win, but then again, who said Alabama would ever be No. 1 last season?

I am not saying I am turning on Bama and becoming an Auburn fan, but this is a preseason prediction. Like I said, Alabama was not expected to even be in the top five last year, and neither is Auburn this year, but the college world can surprise you!