University of Alabama: 8 Biggest Questions Entering 2011 Season

Just 68 days remain until the Alabama Crimson Tide kick off their 2011 season, and with even less time remaining until spring practice begins, a sense of anticipation has taken over much of Tuscaloosa.

However, before the Tide take the field against Kent State, there are a few questions that their fans and coaches want answered. This slide show will examine eight of those pressing questions.

A.J. McCarron or Phillip Sims?

Phillip Sims and A.J. McCarron have emerged as the top two candidates to replace Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy, but head coach Nick Saban has said little about who will anchor the Tide offense this coming season.

All Tide fans have seen McCarron in action, whether it be his impressive performance against Tennessee, highlighted by a 47-yard pass to Julio Jones, or his less-impressive, one-drive performance filling in for the injured McElroy in last year's Iron Bowl. And who could forget his spanking earlier in the season at the hands of Saban?

Sims, a redshirt freshman, has yet to show Alabama fans what he is capable of, furthering the questions surrounding this season's quarterback controversy.

Is Marquis Maze Capabled of Filling Julio Jones' Shoes?

With Julio Jones' early departure to join the NFL, the Crimson Tide receiving corps lost someone who could, quite possibly, be the team's best receiver of all time.

Although Marquis Maze and/or Darius Hanks have proven to be very good receivers over the past few seasons, questions surround both players' ability to anchor the team's passing game now that Jones is gone.

Speaking of Jones, he had more than double the yardage and reception total of any Tide receiver to take the field last season, meaning Maze and Hanks need to step up and fill the void left by Jones' premature departure and give their rookie starting quarterback a talented option to throw to.

Is the Backfield Better Than It Has Been in Years Past?

Even with the early departure of 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, Alabama's backfield may be better than it was during their National Championship season that year.

Even during Ingram's Heisman-winning year, running back Trent Richardson emerged as one of the top running backs in all of college football. Finally, after playing behind Ingram for much of the past two seasons, Richardson has his chance to lead the potent Alabama running game.

Playing behind the ever-powerful, explosive Richardson will be Eddie Lacy, Demetrius Goode, Dee Hart and Jalston Fowler, all high-powered, strong running backs capable of breaking a big run at any time.

Is the Defense Really the Nation's Best?

Last season, Alabama defenders combined for 22 interceptions, the fourth-most in the nation, with many questions surrounding the squad. This year, with the only major question being, "Can the Tide replace Marcell Dareus?" some reporters have labeled the defense as the best in the country.

With rising stars such as Robert Lester, Dre Kirkpatrick and DeQuan Menzie, to name a few, playing alongside veteran players Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw, the Crimson Tide defense has a lot to live up to.

Mark Barron's Road to Recovery

Mark Barron has been one of the Crimson Tide's best defenders in recent history, and last season was no exception. Barron led the team with 75 tackles but missed their bowl game after suffering a torn pectoral muscle during the Iron Bowl.

Barron's offseason surgery was successful, although he is reportedly just now able to begin lifting weights. The Crimson Tide need a healthy Mark Barron in their secondary, not only because of his talent but because of his leadership skills as well. Last season especially, Barron proved to be one of the most vocal Tide defenders and was undoubtedly a major influence for the young defenders as well.

Can They Have an Undefeated Regular Season?

Although the team's schedule is easier than last year's (see next slide), the Crimson Tide will be tested almost ever week of the regular season.

The good news for the Tide is that some of their toughest matchups come at Bryant-Denny, as Arkansas and LSU both come to Tuscaloosa in 2011. That being said, the team will face some tough games on the road as well, as they have to travel to both Gainesville to play Florida and Starkville to play Mississippi State.

An undefeated regular season will be a tough, but achievable task for the Crimson Tide this season.

Bye Weeks Not an Issue...Right?

Last season, Alabama played six of its eight conference games against teams who had just had a bye-week, something the SEC recognized and corrected this season.

In 2011, the Crimson Tide only play three opponents coming off of their bye-week: Tennessee, Vanderbilt and LSU. The LSU game may be a cause for worry, however, as many college football experts are already calling the matchup the season's best among all teams and all conferences. That being said, only time will tell.

SEC's Sixth Straight BCS Title?

There are three SEC teams who are capable of making it through their ever-tough conference schedule and playing for the BCS National Championship this season, and all three teams hail from the SEC West.

Alabama, Arkansas and LSU all have a shot to bring home the SEC's sixth straight national title, with the Crimson Tide being the favorite among the three.