2010 Alabama Football Predictions
While it’s difficult to win back-to-back BCS championships, all head coach Nick Saban has done since he arrived at Alabama is win. He is now 33-8 in three seasons at Alabama and 124-50-1 in 14 years as a collegiate coach. I think Saban is a great motivator, but the biggest key to his success is his ability to recruit. Saban has landed yet another star-studded recruiting class to give him plenty of depth behind his already established weapons. The offense starts with Heisman Trophy-winning tailback Mark Ingram, who rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. And when Ingram needs a blow, the Tide hit the opposition with Trent Richardson, who would be a star for more than a few major programs across the country. Plus, I anticipate Greg McElroy having an even better season through the air as teams try to stack the line of scrimmage to stop the run. After he hits star wideout Julio Jones for a couple big gainers, opponents will have to think twice about stacking the box. The SEC is widely regarded as the top BCS conference, but Alabama has had little trouble navigating it. In fact, it has won its last 16 regular season games against SEC opponents. The defensive side of the ball loses a lot of starters, but Saban has a bunch of very talented guys with game experience ready to step in. Defensive end Marcell Dareus is a player to watch. He earned defensive MVP honors in the BCS championship game against Texas. Want more bang for your buck with your NCAA football betting? Then bet your NCAA football picks at Sportsbook.com where our readers can get up to $100 in free bonus cash!
Offense: The Crimson Tide return eight of 11 starters from a unit that scored 32.1 points per game in 2009. Alabama boasted one of the best rushing attacks in college football last season, averaging 215.1 yards per game on the ground. With Ingram and Richardson both back, we shouldn’t see any drop off. Alabama didn’t rely on McElroy to do too much a season ago. He still posted very respectable numbers, throwing for 2,508 yards and 17 touchdowns with only four interceptions. As incredible as it sounds, the kid has not lost a start since he was in junior high. Saban likes winners, and McElroy is certainly that. Saban’s confidence in this kid has continues to grow, and I expect him to put the ball in McElroy’s hands more often to make plays this season. Jones was banged up in 2009, but he still managed to catch 43 balls for 596 yards and four touchdowns. He is expected to be 100 percent this season, and if that is the case, he will be one of the most feared weapons in college football.
Defense: Most teams losing 10 defensive starters would be in a world of hurt, but not Bama. The Tide have three players with 97 tackles between them ready to step into the defensive line holes. One of those guys is the aforementioned Dareus, who recorded 6.5 sacks in 2009. Dont’a Hightower will be back from the knee injury that he suffered last season to lead the defense from the middle linebacker spot. In the secondary, leading returning tackler Mark Barron is the guy to watch.
Prediction: 1st SEC West – The defense could take a minor step back in 2010, but I have no reason to believe that it won’t still be among the best units in the SEC. Plus, the offense should be even better than it was a season ago. Saban appears to be building a dynasty with the type of talent he’s bringing in, making another BCS title run a possibility. College football lines makers have listed the Alabama Crimson Tide at +600 to win the BCS championship.
Play alongside World Champion handicapper Jimmy Boyd this season for the most consistent winning football picks in the industry!
