subject: The Crimson Tide - Prepare to Find the Opposition Left in a Pool of Crimson [print this page] The Crimson Tide - Prepare to Find the Opposition Left in a Pool of Crimson
If you're an Auburn football fan, you're probably already planning the beer selection for the pre-game parties, because, yeah, the Tigers seem to have a great hold on the SEC. Notice that I said, "seem". That's because Alabama's Crimson Tide is ready to really make Auburn seem like it deserves its academic rep a lot more than its football rep. Don't believe so? Let's look at just what the Tide will put out on the field come game day, a lineup that may easily turn a pack of Tigers into a bunch of alley cats.
Understanding The Quarterback
It's difficult to name a more efficient college quarterback than Greg McElroy (4 interceptions in 325 attempts), and also the man hasn't lost a football game since before the 8th grade. Will his streak end in 2010? Not if last year's Heiseman Trophy winner, Mark Ingram, has anything to say about this. Add to the superiority of Ingram the back up talent of Trey Richardson and expect McElroy to become as efficient as always, because handing the ball off to top running backs is as efficient as can be.
Understanding The Backfield
Whenever your starting quarterback throws only three interceptions and your running back wins the Heisman Trophy, you are able to deduce at least one thing: you've got a pretty consummate offensive line. This year, look for Alabama's line to become better than it was last year. With pro prospect DJ Fluker on the line that sees 1/2 of its 2009 group return, McKelroy and Ingram's stats ought to be even sicker this year.
Understanding The Receivers
Alabama has some seriously sticky hands within the downfield: Marquis Maze, Darius Hanks, Michael Bowman, Michael Williams, Chris Underwood, and quick All-American Julio Jones, who at 6'4" with a long wingspan will upstage more than his share of befuddled linebackers.
Evaluating The Defensive Line
Alabama has already experienced some unnecessary drama concerning top defensive end, Marcell Dareus. But here's the situation: once the season starts, the only real drama about Alabama's defense is going to be how consummately it keeps opponents from having their own drama in the end zone. Dareus could play for the NFL at this time, and he'll lead a talented group of Terence Cody, Josh Chapman, and Luther Davis on a season long head banging mission.
Analyzing The Linebackers
If you're a running back and you see Alabama's 2010 linebackers coming, do your very best Joe Namath flop, because there won't be much that doesn't get crunched with the Tide's linebackers. Led by recovered All-SEC performer Dont'a Hightower, Alabama's linebacker play will be nothing other than solid.
Evaluating The Secondary Unit When it comes to talent, you will not get a defensive back that looks much better than Dre Kirkpatrick, who's due for a bust out this year. Add BJ Scott, Rod Woodson, and top SEC defensive back Mark Barron, and the Tide have a backfield that they can really count on.
Discovering Special Teams
If Alabama has a weak spot, it's that its kicking will fall to a freshmen. Still, there should be some excitement as Julio Jones returns kickoffs and punts.
Not an Alabama fan? Get ready for this years Crimson Tide to persuade you. Most fans only love winners, while others go for teams with identifiable talent, training and execution. Within the 2010 Crimson Tide, you'll find both.
