2009 Bama Team

[Duder 259]

The losses of Smith, Caldwell, Wilson and Coffee loom huge over the offense. Throw in the loss of Johnson on D even though they will still be solid he will be missed. So what are your thoughts for next year?

Personally, I think they will remain competitive but not world-beaters. Ingram looks like a beast but can he be an every down back? I realize there are some studs coming in for the O-line, but they won't be able to replace the loss of an All-SEC Center and an All-World tackle without a drop off. The importance of a three year starter at QB was huge for their success this year too. No matter how much athleticism Jackson has or how good McElroy looks in practice that offense will not have the same punch. Teams will load the box and force a new QB to beat them, which will be tough.

That being said, a relatively weak schedule plays in their favor. This is my take on your upcoming season (isn't it fun to do this already?)

VA Tech-Loss. Too much competition too soon for ateam that will be searching for an identity.

Fla Int-Win, easy

North Texas-Win, easy

Arkansas- Win, most likely a close game but the big game environment from VA Tech will help as the new starters dive into SEC play.

Kentucky- Win, probably looks easy.

Ole Miss- Push. My gut says this one is a loss but Houston Nutt is too inconsistent to truly get behind.

South Carolina- Win unless this is one of the Spurrier games where he beats someone he shouldn't but I don't see it.

Tennessee- Win, I think they're a year or two away from being a real team

LSU- Push, depends on the development of Jefferson over the off-season.

Mississippi State- Win

UTC- Win

Auburn- Push, because I'm an AU fan and both schools will have some work to do next year.

So I'd say 11-1 isn't actually unreasonable for Bama next year, which would net them a top 5 finish again. 8-4 at worse.

I have a feeling Ole Miss will represent the SEC West in the SECCG next year. Order of finish: Ole Miss, Bama, Auburn/LSU

[JTA6453 2]

The games still have to be played. Leading up to Opening Day the majority expected the Bammers to fight out an 8-10 win season this year. I can recall hearing Cecil Hurt on the F-Bomb show stating very confidently that they would win 10 games. Of course, there is always going to be the small minority that truly felt it could be a 12-0 regular season but that happens every year. I see no reason to start believing they will pull off an 11+ win season after they played over their heads all year--see SECCG & Sugar Bowl. The '08 Arkansas & Ole Miss games could have been completely different if they were played later in the season when both teams picked up some momentum & Bama began to show some fatigue. They struggled against Kentucky & Miss St jumped out to an early lead. They don't have any SEC games locked up just because they are UAT.

[IndyTiger 3]

I didn't think they could beat this past year's ease of schedule, but my god that is the easiest schedule I have seen in a long time for an SEC team.

[Duder 259]

The games still have to be played. Leading up to Opening Day the majority expected the Bammers to fight out an 8-10 win season this year. I can recall hearing Cecil Hurt on the F-Bomb show stating very confidently that they would win 10 games. Of course, there is always going to be the small minority that truly felt it could be a 12-0 regular season but that happens every year. I see no reason to start believing they will pull off an 11+ win season after they played over their heads all year--see SECCG & Sugar Bowl. The '08 Arkansas & Ole Miss games could have been completely different if they were played later in the season when both teams picked up some momentum & Bama began to show some fatigue. They struggled against Kentucky & Miss St jumped out to an early lead. They don't have any SEC games locked up just because they are UAT.

Who said anything about beating them because they're Bama? First, I'm an AU fan so I would never assume a win simply because it's Alabama. I realize the games still have to be played which is why this was a discussion question for thoughts from the Bama fans on the board; we had the same discussion on the main thread about AU since the end of our season. Thank you for ignoring the point of the thread and adding nothing insightful.

[rexbo 104]

Alabama is very dependent upon a QB that can hit the long passes off the play-action, so teams don't stack the box (as Auburn was mostly unsuccessful at since Jason left). Last year and this year, when JPW was off on his medium to long passes their offense went in the tank; the difference was that only happened a few quarters this year, not more than half the time like it did in 2007. Assuming the new QB is as good as JPW was in his senior year, which is a HUGE assumption, there will still be a drop off from losing the other seniors...

[BamaGrad03 0]

I didn't think they could beat this past year's ease of schedule, but my god that is the easiest schedule I have seen in a long time for an SEC team.

You're on crack.

Arkansas on the road

Tennessee on the road

LSU on the road

UGA on the road

Clemson neutral site

To the original point, I honestly don't think you'll see a dropoff at RB. I like Ingram a LOT, and if Upchurch (if if if) can stay healthy, he brings something totally different to the table.

I think McElroy will bring to the table a more vertical passing game. But I think he'll also bring more mistakes by virtue of it being his first year as a starter.

Our d will be very good.

But at the end of the day, you don't replace an AA left tackle, a 3 year starter in Marlon Davis, and one of the best Centers (and leaders) in the country in Caldwell...without feeling it.

Bama may be much improved next year in many areas, but I certainly don't expect a repeat of this year's 12-0 season.

[runswithscissors 33]

Alabama is very dependent upon a QB that can hit the long passes off the play-action, so teams don't stack the box (as Auburn was mostly unsuccessful at since Jason left). Last year and this year, when JPW was off on his medium to long passes their offense went in the tank; the difference was that only happened a few quarters this year, not more than half the time like it did in 2007. Assuming the new QB is as good as JPW was in his senior year, which is a HUGE assumption, there will still be a drop off from losing the other seniors...

when wasn't he off on his long ball? i can think of only maybe 2-3 that he actually connected on. i can't tell you how many times he overthrew our WIDE OPEN receivers.

[Ashandarei 0]

Personally I'm excited about next season. I know there will be some pains, but we will have even more young talent on display. It's hard not to look forward to that.

I think we lose 2-3. I'd Be willing to bet we lose at Ole Miss. We don't play well there.

[autigeremt 7,545]

I didn't think they could beat this past year's ease of schedule, but my god that is the easiest schedule I have seen in a long time for an SEC team.

You're on crack.

Arkansas on the road

Tennessee on the road

LSU on the road

UGA on the road

Clemson neutral site

To the original point, I honestly don't think you'll see a dropoff at RB. I like Ingram a LOT, and if Upchurch (if if if) can stay healthy, he brings something totally different to the table.

I think McElroy will bring to the table a more vertical passing game. But I think he'll also bring more mistakes by virtue of it being his first year as a starter.

Our d will be very good.

But at the end of the day, you don't replace an AA left tackle, a 3 year starter in Marlon Davis, and one of the best Centers (and leaders) in the country in Caldwell...without feeling it.

Bama may be much improved next year in many areas, but I certainly don't expect a repeat of this year's 12-0 season.

CRACK??????

Arkansas on the road (Arky wasn't near the team they were when they beat LSU, and yet they still had a lot of room to improve)

Tennessee on the road (WE beat Tennessee.....road or not, they were terrible this season)

LSU on the road (Not even close to the LSU of the past few seasons)

UGA on the road (best win of your season.....yet they were VERY suspect this season at times)

Clemson neutral site (NOT a very good team when it was all said and done....no competition for Bama)

These games meant NOTHING! Bama had four tough games this season..... UGA, Ole Miss, Florida, and Utah. 2-2.....without the crack.

[BamaGrad03 0]

The fact that all our big games, save Auburn were on the road this year, means that our schedule next year SHOULD be easier.

Though I worry since we don't seem to play very well at home.

And the original poster phrased it as if we lined up a bunch of cupcakes. Saying "that's the easiest schedule I've seen in a long time for an SEC team" is silly. I mean, everybody in the SEC had to play similar schedules THIS YEAR...except our games were on the road, and we went out and scheduled a top 10 Clemson team (though they ended up not top 10) on a neutral site. And our big games were on the road...AND we had to play UGA from the west in our rotation.

[AUslug 1]

I don't know how the qb situation is going to shake out for Bama but I see an 8 win team next year. The losses of Smith and Coffee and others will be felt but there is talent there to fill in the gaps. The schedule is easier when it comes to OOC, other than Va Tech they play nobody.

[BamaGrad03 0]

I don't know how the qb situation is going to shake out for Bama but I see an 8 win team next year. The losses of Smith and Coffee and others will be felt but there is talent there to fill in the gaps. The schedule is easier when it comes to OOC, other than Va Tech they play nobody.

09 Va Tech > 08 Clemson

I will say we get a break against the East next year. We get UT at home, and roll off UGA (also don't play UF), and get South Carolina.

I think by the end of the year, GMac will be an upgrade at QB over JPW, but our offensive line will be a rollercoaster ride all season.

[80Tiger 909]

I think the bowl game gave a glimpse of the potential problems within their line.

A new QB almost always has growing pain issues.

RB at the moment is an issue. Ingram is good but it is very hard for one back to do all the work. I know Upchurch is still there but pretty much non factor this year. Yes Richardson has verabaled but I don't know if UF is through with him yet. A national championship is a pretty good recruiting tool.

Defense should be stable and strength of the team even though Utah gashed them pretty good. Has Cody said whether he is staying or going pro? He is projected pretty high pick. Would staying help or hurt his draft status?

I think the SEC west competition was the worst it has been in quite some time and that played to UAT favor this year. Nothing wrong with that, that is just what it was. Most of dealt with QB. If LSU and AU solve those problems then the competition issue gets better. Arky should be better and Miss St has new coach. Not sure of that impact, but new coaches usually get a pop just on emotion the first year or two, just as Croom did. Ole Miss may be the team to beat in the west. Good QB returning.

[BamaGrad03 0]

A good bit of what you said has merit. Cody said he's coming back. Upchurch was a major factor this year before he sprained his neck (see UGA game). And I think Griffin could be a good back even if we didn't get Richardson.

By the way, Coffee leaving sure doesn't hurt Trent's Bama leaning status.

The line won't be as good as this year, for sure...but I wouldn't judge a bowl appearance where 3 of the 5 were playing out of position, and had gotten little to no reps at their position going into the game. They'll have all offseason to work on their natural position as the starter. And don't forget, Mike Johnson (our 2nd best OL this year) is not leaving, he was just out for the Utah game because he got hurt on the 2nd drive.

I agree about the QB growing pain issues. That's why I said end of the year...because I think early on, he's bound to struggle a bit. Especially at the start of conference play.

[80Tiger 909]

A good bit of what you said has merit. Cody said he's coming back. Upchurch was a major factor this year before he sprained his neck (see UGA game). And I think Griffin could be a good back even if we didn't get Richardson.

By the way, Coffee leaving sure doesn't hurt Trent's Bama leaning status.

The line won't be as good as this year, for sure...but I wouldn't judge a bowl appearance where 3 of the 5 were playing out of position, and had gotten little to no reps at their position going into the game. They'll have all offseason to work on their natural position as the starter. And don't forget, Mike Johnson (our 2nd best OL this year) is not leaving, he was just out for the Utah game because he got hurt on the 2nd drive.

I agree about the QB growing pain issues. That's why I said end of the year...because I think early on, he's bound to struggle a bit. Especially at the start of conference play.

I think spring practice is very important for the line. Will they make the strides necessary. Who is the going to be the center?

[BamaGrad03 0]

Probably Evan Cardwell. He was center some in the 07 season when Andre moved over to guard.

[AUslug 1]

The qb play will be helped out if Julio doesn't have a sophomore slump because I'm not overly impressed with the rest of the wideouts. I think there are going to be more deep passes at the start of the season just to loosen up the opposing defence and get pressure off whoever is under center.

[SouthLink02 8]

Still very early but just looking at who they return, schedule, and my gut feeling....I say 9-3/8-4 in 2009 for Alabama

Alabama's losses on OL will hurt (2/5 returning starers, right?) and nobody knows more about that than a UGA fan who has seen newcomers/freshman play on our OL for like the last 3-4 consecutive years due to piss poor recruiting/injuries

I still am suspect on McElroy because....well, I don't know much about him. I think runsw said Star may play some and anytime a freshman (whether RS or not), mistakes will occur.

Combination of OL question marks, QB question marks, and a general history of Saban teams dipping 2-3 games after exceptional seasons leads me to the 8-9 win mark.

[RunInRed 19,650]

In case you all forgot, the process is way ahead of schedule. Any thing short of a SEC title and 25th MNC would be under achieving.

[runswithscissors 33]

Still very early but just looking at who they return, schedule, and my gut feeling....I say 9-3/8-4 in 2009 for Alabama

Alabama's losses on OL will hurt (2/5 returning starers, right?) and nobody knows more about that than a UGA fan who has seen newcomers/freshman play on our OL for like the last 3-4 consecutive years due to piss poor recruiting/injuries

I still am suspect on McElroy because....well, I don't know much about him. I think runsw said Star may play some and anytime a freshman (whether RS or not), mistakes will occur.

Combination of OL question marks, QB question marks, and a general history of Saban teams dipping 2-3 games after exceptional seasons leads me to the 8-9 win mark.

Star may play some as backup, but i honestly don't see him starting unless he makes some strides imo. i think our best shot is McElroy. i'm not saying he's all-world, but he knows the system and has looked pretty good the few times he has been in as backup. there will be a dropoff of course but i think he is our best shot. i'm interested to see how McCarron ends up. according to him he's 190 and CNS said if he can come on at a healthy 200 then he has a good chance at some PT. imo McCarron is more polished that Jackson. i think they obviously want McCarron to put on some weight but not because he isn't a capable QB, but so he can withstand the wear and tear of SEC play.

[TheDrewYouKnew 3]

Bama may be much improved next year in many areas, but I certainly don't expect a repeat of this year's 12-0 season.

12-2

[runswithscissors 33]

Bama may be much improved next year in many areas, but I certainly don't expect a repeat of this year's 12-0 season.

12-2

he's talking about regular season play.

[quietfan 233]

Re: QB's

I was kind of interested in how this was sort of the "Year of the Quarterback" in the SEC. The top programs in the SEC this year (FL, UAT, Ole Miss, UGA) seemed to have perhaps the top four seasoned/experienced/capable quarterbacks. Other years in the SEC, it's been mostly running backs carrying the weight as the top teams often all highly talented or seasoned running backs. Now the question: Was quarterback significance this year a result of the trend toward wider open, "Spread-like/Hurry Up" offenses and a portent of the future, or was it merely a calendar fluke based on graduation vs. position talent?

But back to topic:

There are so many questions at Bama next year I wouldn't even hazard a guess on what their record might be. Obviously, my first thoughts went to quarterback...and that's a complete unknown, IMO. Combine a new QB with a completely restructured offensive line and things get even murkier. The starting RB just left, but I do think they have better depth and known potential there than at QB or O-line. Julio will be back, but the O-line and QB still have to get the ball to him. However I'm not actually being critical here: They might do great, I just don't know. I'm just saying let me wait at least until I see how the QB/O-line shape up in spring and early August before you force me to make a prediction!

...not that Auburn doesn't have plenty of question marks of its own, particularly at QB & O-Line

[runswithscissors 33]

...not that Auburn doesn't have plenty of question marks of its own, particularly at QB & O-Line

the more i saw how Tulsa used their QB, the more i can't help but to think that Burns would be the man.....if he can actually calm down. Malzahn will do wonders for him imo.

[weagl1 1,859]

Minium of 3 losses for Bama in 09. They will be breaking in a new O line and a new QB. The defense will be strong but they will also have a new coordinator.