A Look into The Future For Alabama's Season

“Always in motion is the future.” - Yoda, Jedi Master

There are sites on the Internet that quote the fictional character Yoda from Star Wars as “One Minute Wisdom” Though to me Yoda sounds suspiciously like Kermit the frog, the future is in motion and the predictions are haphazard at best. None the less I will take a stab at 2009.

"More diverse the offense will be."

From observation I think its safe to say Greg McElroy is a more skilled passer and has a better mind for the game than last years starter John Parker Wilson. Wilson was a warrior however, he knew when to duck, when to run, when to take a sack and when to go for broke. The 12 win season is a testament to that.

Greg McElroy will undoubtedly have to learn some of that the hard way. Its a good bet that Alabama may lose a game this year in part because of a McElroy mistake. Though losses are never one players fault.

McElroy will spread the ball around more in the short and intermediate routes though I don't expect him to go deep very often. His deep balls have more accuracy so when he does I expect a higher success rate on the deeper throws.

"A Rise in rank you will see."

As in true freshman AJ McCarron. I don't know if McCarron will play this year but I believe he will make steps to put him next in line.

"Share the load will three."

Mark Ingram will be the starter and main ball carrier this year but Trent Richardson has worked tirelessly in the weight room to prepare himself for SEC ball and I expect it will result in playing time.

Roy Upchurch has had an injury riddled career but he is as talented as anyone if healthy. I believe he will pick up where he left off at mid season last year and become a true threat on third downs.

"Amazing Marquis Maze will be."

Sophomore Marquis Maze will have some true “Prothro” moments. Maze has had to learn how to run routes to create the kind of separation he needs being short. But learn it he has, and McElroy will get him the ball.

"On the line movement there will be."

Expect the offensive line to be more fluid this year. In years past Alabama lacked overall talent so the starters rarely had challenges from backups, But those days are over. Nowhere has Saban had a bigger impact on recruiting than on the offensive and defensive lines.

I expect Junior James Carpenter to start at left tackle but I would be surprised if he can hold off massive freshman DJ Fluker all season. I expect John Michael Boswell to win the right guard spot but he could lose it to Carpenter if Fluker does make the move.

Backups Brian Motley, Barrett Jones, David Ross and Chance Warmack will push hard for playing time and you may see one of them make it. I do not expect the line that starts against Virginia Tech to start against Auburn.

"Return to greatness he will."

Terrance Cody was banged up and worn out by mid season last year. That was then, this is now. Cody is truly in shape now and is ready to have an all America type season. Cody will completely demoralize more than one great player this year who lines up across from him.

"In Robbie Green a star is born."

Green may not be the most imposing physical specimen in the secondary but he's got the same sort of smarts that made Rashad Johnson an all American. Look for him to be in the right place at the right time, often.

"Unconsciousness will Mark Barron cause."

At some point, he's going to jack someone up.

"Throw to right they will not."

Javier Arenas will become a lock down corner this year and a first day NFL pick.

"Pushed they will be by those in the rear."

Like the offensive line Seniors Lorenzo Washington and Brandon Deaderick will be pushed hard by second stringers all year, possibly one may lose their starting spot, but since Alabama will rotate often their number of snaps won't change much.

"Only one will emerge."

Alabama signed five talented freshman linebackers. Only one will rise to gain significant playing time. They could become a full time starter. Unfortunately I cannot see which one.

"To Jack will he move."

Dan'ta Hightower will move to Jack, where he will cause great fear among SEC quarterbacks.

"Blitz often they will."

Alabama was taken apart late last year by two very good spread offenses. Saban has made many mistakes in his coaching career but he is not one to stand by and do nothing when his way is not working.

Look for more complex blitz packages from a deeper and more experienced defense. With blitzes comes the threat of single coverage. Look for both success and failure with this.

"A touchdown will he score."

Mark it down, Terrence Cody will score a touchdown this year. And I will have a wall paintings of it in my office next year.

But as always, cloudy the future is. Things are rarely as good as we hope for, or as dark as they appear. The truth is most often in the middle. But one thing is certain, every team Alabama plays has circled that game on their schedule.

Gone are the days of sneaking up unnoticed as we did in Atlanta last year to an unsuspecting Clemson fan base. Alabama is finally back.