College Football Predictions: Tuscaloosa Rallies Behind Tide, Alabama Wins Title

Just as the city of New Orleans rallied behind their Katrina-stricken Saints, Tuscaloosa natives will rebound from the April 27th tornado that left much of their town in shambles and ride their emotions straight to the national championship game.

Although the team's quarterback situation is still in the process of being ironed out and Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram has moved on to the NFL, the team is expected to field another strong lineup and take care of business in the now Cam Newton-less SEC West.

That being said, the upcoming college football season means more than fielding a strong team from the Crimson Tide. This season, the hopes of those who lost everything in the April tornado are riding with the Tide. Tuscaloosa Saturdays will be a time when 100,000-plus can gather inside the walls of Bryant-Denny Stadium and forget, at least temporarily, their losses.

Tarps and debris make up what used to be the homes of thousands and the businesses that so many gathered inside to cheer on this very team, a team that is more than just something to cheer fora team all in Tuscaloosa consider their family. 

Trent Richardson

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 02: Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a rush for a first down against the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

It's tough to gain national recognition as a backup for a Heisman Trophy winner, but Trent Richardson did just that. 

Richardson is one of the strongest players in all of college football and can bench press more than 450 pounds without difficulty. Upon signing with the Tide out of high school, Richardson was a Florida high school weight lifting champion and has only improved his strength since then.

While filling in for the injured Ingram early last season, Richardson ran for 700 yards in just more than 100 carries. That means his average carry was over six yards, which places him as the third best running back in the SEC last season. 

Richardson will be a key to the Tide's 2011 season and a high first-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

Offensive Line

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 05: Quarterback Greg McElroy #12 of the Alabama Crimson Tide takes the snap from William Vlachos #73 against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Georgia Dome on September 5, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Phot

The Alabama offensive line has much experience under its belt, something that will likely allow the team's new quarterback—Phillip Sims or AJ McCarron—more time in the pocket and allow Trent Richardson to run his way to Heisman Trophy winning glory.

Center William Vlachos rarely has a bad snap and has become one of the best centers in all of college football. His only downside is his size, 6'1" and 289 pounds, which can make it difficult to block a 6'4" nose tackle. 

Chance Warmack, Barrett Jones and DJ Fluker have all struggled at times, whether it be with injury or the brutal SEC defensive lineman, but are still strong, solid starters for the Tide.

Wide Receiving Depth

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 11: Marquis Maze #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Despite losing wide receiver Julio Jones to the NFL draft, the Crimson Tide receivers are still expected to overachieve this season. 

Returning starter Marquis Maze has shown his explosive speed and quickness throughout his career at the University of Alabama, Darius Hanks was a favorite target for former quarterback Greg McElroy and Jones' replacement, Brandon Gibson, was a highly touted prospect out of high school, at least, until Jones came onto the scene.

In fact, Maze and Hanks have a combined 138 receptions, which further proves their capability of stepping up and leading the team.

This year's wide receiving corps will be as strong as ever, even without Jones, and will be a good way for the team's new quarterback to better adapt to an offense he's not played with as often as one would like.

Defense

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 02: Dont'a Hightower #30 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The strength of the 2011 team is undoubtedly their defense, which has the potential to match and even overachieve the 2009 team which was led by first-round draft pick Rolando McClain.

Returning players Dont'a Hightower, a key piece to the Tide's successes and a leader on the team since returning from a torn ACL, and Courtney Upshaw, who has the potential to be another top pick in the 2012 NFL draft, are healthy, something that both have had trouble staying in seasons past.

In addition to Hightower and Upshaw, Tide starters Mark Barron, Dre Kirkpatrick and DeQuan Menzie all had strong 2010 seasons and will help round out the powerful Tide defense. 

April 27th

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: A general view of the sunset at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

As previously mentioned, the Crimson Tide have something to play for this season. Many of the players lost their homes, their favorite hangout spots, their friends and loved ones and all they've ever known in the EF-4 tornado that touched down in Tuscaloosa in late April.

If there's one thing that will help the devastated town get back on its feet, it's the success of their beloved Alabama Crimson Tide. 

And that's exactly why the team will flourish this season. The team will rise up to expectations and deliver another national title to the state of Alabama and the SEC, its sixth in row.