Alabama Football 2009 Player Matchups and Outlook

As we look ahead to the upcoming Alabama football season, there are several intriguing player and position matchups to watch for. Let’s take a look at the most crucial.

Greg Hardy (Ole Miss) vs. James Carpenter

If Hardy can have the kind of day he had against Bama in 2007 with 13 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles, then it will be a long day for the Tide. James Carpenter, a juco transfer, showed a lot of promise during spring practice. If he can contain Hardy, Bama has a good shot at making it back to Atlanta. If not Greg McElroy is in for a long day.

Jevan Snead (Ole Miss) vs. Alabama Secondary

Snead came on strong at the end of last year and showed he has the ability to light up a defense. However, the Bama secondary with Arenas, Jackson, Woodall, and Green should be up for the task. The big question here is will someone in Bama’s secondary step up and fill the leadership role left by Rashad Johnson. If so the tide will roll.

Charles Scott (LSU) vs. Terrance Cody and Rolando McClain

LSU should have their quarterback situation figured out by this point in the season. It will take a strong effort from Scott if the Tigers look to beat the Tide in Tuscaloosa. Scott played well against the Tide last year with 24 carries for 92 yards and two TD's.

However, as good as the Bama D was last year, it should be even better this season. Cody has shed some weight and showed more speed in the spring game. With another year under his belt and his leadership abilities, McClain should be one of the best linebackers in the country. Look for Scott and the LSU running game to be shut down.

Brandon LaFell (LSU) vs. Bama Secondary

Without a running game in this matchup, look for LSU to try and get the ball to their playmaker LaFell early and often. He was relatively quiet in last year's matchup with four catches for 74 yards.

At this point in the season look for Arenas and company in the Bama secondary to be top notch. LaFell won’t be shut down, but if he can be contained look for Bama to win its second straight against the Bayou Bengals.

Trevard Lindley (Kentucky) vs. Greg McElroy

This will be one of McElroy’s first tests of the season. Kentucky is well coached, and Lindley is one of the best corners in the nation. If McElroy doesn’t make good decisions and is not sharp look for Lindley and Co. to take advantage. This is a game the Tide best not overlook.

Stephen Garcia and the USC offensive line vs. the Alabama defensive line

This one is a no-brainer. With USC replacing a left guard and right tackle, it will be a long day for Garcia. He will be running for his life the entire game. Look for Saban’s boys to add to their sack totals.

Tyrod Taylor and Darren Evans (Virgina Tech) vs. Terrance Cody and Rolando McClain

Cody is always the man in the middle that severely impairs an opposing team’s ability to run the ball. McClain has always been a great run stopper.

Taylor and Evans will be the biggest test to the Bama run defense all season and it comes in week one. Frank Beamer will have his team ready to play and will look to strike early. With Beamer you know the special teams will be top notch.

With this being McElroy’s first game as a starter, the Bama defense must shut down Taylor and Evans early. If not, Bama may find itself in a hole it can’t climb out of.

As the 2009 season approaches few questions arise for the Crimson Tide: Will the offensive line get it together early? How will Greg McElroy fair in his first season as a starter? Will another receiver emerge opposite Julio to pose any kind of threat?

Some of these questions will be answered in week one against Virginia Tech. If Bama can get past the Hokies they can very easily end up in Atlanta again undefeated. If not they still have what it takes to win the West.  

The only other real tests for the Tide come against Ole Miss and at home against LSU.

Ole Miss has not shown that they can get over the hump to win the SEC West and things won’t change this year. Bama will go into Oxford and come away with their sixth straight victory over the rebels.

The LSU matchup will once again decide the West. If history tells us anything, it’s that the home team has trouble winning this one.

The season comes down to this: beat Virginia Tech and the Tide will once again battle the Gators in Atlanta to see who will play for the national title. If the Tide loses to Tech, look for a two- or three-loss season with the West coming down to the LSU game.