2010 College Football Preview: Alabama Crimson Tide
Nick Saban and his Alabama Crimson Tide defending BCS Championship team returns many key offensive players, including Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, quarterback Greg McElroy and speed demon receiver Julio Jones. Alabama will be missing some key players and leaders on defense as they go into battle for the SEC West title.
Alabama’s defense that dominated the SEC in 2009, was chock full of seniors and now their understudies will have to step into the spotlight and deliver. Alabama will be banking on Dont’a Hightower to control the middle of the field as the inside linebacker, while defensive end, Marcel Dareus will be expected to pick up where he left off in 2009. Dareus ended his 2009 NCAA season winning the defensive MVP award in the BCS title game.
Another key loss for Alabama will the loss of game breaking return specialist, Javier Arenas. Although there is no set player at the moment stepping into the returner position, many of the veterans have returned for Alabama, including Julio Jones and Mark Ingram. It is doubtful that either will see much time returning in the 2010 NCC season.
Alabama could conceivably have two losses after their first six games in 2010. They play Penn State on their home field in the second week, then Arkansas, in Arkansas followed by a tough home game with Florida. If Arkansas wins all three of these games, they will have an easy path to the 2010 SEC Championship Game. The only game in Alabama’s second half that presents much of a challenge will be their rivalry game with Auburn. Look for Alabama to repeat as SEC West champs.
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