2008 Alabama Tide College Football Predictions

Nick Saban led the Crimson Tide to a 7-6 record in year one. The expectations will no doubt rise in year 2 with the touted coach behind the wheel despite last season's late collapse. Can Saban have the Tide challenging for tops in the SEC West in just his second year in command? Find out the chances in Jimmy Boyd's 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

Offensive Coordinator Major Applewhite left to return to his alma mater so Saban hired Fresno State Coordinator Jim McElwain. On paper it looks like a good move as McElwain's offense averaged 419.5 yards and 32.9 points per game last season. I know the defense is much better in the SEC, but McElwain should be able to make the offense a threat. He has the good fortune of inheriting a proven QB in John Parker Wilson. This will be Wilson's third season under center and he'll have the luxury of two Outland Trophy candidates to block for him. If Alabama can eliminate turnovers and do a better job of feeding the playmakers, we could see some nice improvement this year. With big play receivers Keith Brown and DJ Hall gone, expect running back Terry Grant to get the ball in a variety of ways. Grant set a freshman record with 891 yards last season. Saban was able to pull off the nation's top-rated recruiting class and I won't speculate if that was due to some nice alumni benefits. From that class, receivers Julio Jones and Burton Scott could make an immediate impact.

Defense

The defensive line doesn't have much depth and that could become a real problem as Bama can't afford any injuries. Bobby Greenwood, Brandon Deaderick, and Lorenzo Washington are a solid group of starters, but after that no one is proven. It's the same story at linebacker. Rolando McClain can and will play well, but the other two spots are still uncertain. Prince Hall was suspended indefinitely during the spring and Ezekial Knight is waiting to be medically cleared to play after getting surgery to repair a heart murmur. This means that it looks like QB - turned running back - turned linebacker Jimmy Johns will get a chance to play immediately along with Cory Reamer and converted fullback Baron Huber. These guys which have switched positions are great athletes, but will no doubt go through some growing pains. Rashad Johnson is as solid a safety as you'll find in the league and Justin Woodall is very much improved at the other safety slot. The cornerback position could be a weak spot, however, with unproven players stepping in to play full time.

Special Teams

Placekicker Leigh Tiffin is solid. His 111 points last season set a single season Alabama record for points by a kicker. He had 10 field goals of 40 or more yards to lead the SEC. You'll most likely see this guy playing on Sunday's in the near future. The punt return game is also in good hands with Javier Arenas. He ranked 2nd in the SEC and 12th nationally with a 15.4 yards per return average.

Prediction – 3rd in SEC West

With a great recruiting class, better days are most certainly ahead for the Tide and its faithful, but they are not ready to contend for a title yet. I think you'll see better than 7-6 this season and next year you might just see them rule the SEC West.   They are going to find themselves in the middle of the pack behind LSU and Auburn but superior to Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Arkansas.

Check out all of Jimmy Boyd's articles on NCAA college football predictions to get a head start on the upcoming season. Jimmy Boyd does his homework before the season starts so he can pick apart the college football odds and point spreads from day one. For the most consistent winners in the industry all year long, make sure you're doing your betting our expert college football picks.

June 2nd, 2008