planomateo
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Paul was doing this on his own site, presnapread.com, which I linked back the last few years. Pretty cool he landed a gig at USA Today doing this.
Anyways, good data below.
Link to the entire countdown - great snapshot of info for other teams > http://www.usatoday.com/topic/980e11db-b6b3-49f3-9ccf-ed0fe5ea7193/college-football-countdown/
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...3-preview-college-football-countdown/2750249/
Alabama's battling Texas A&M, LSU, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina for the top spot in the SEC. The Crimson Tide are also tussling with Stanford, Oregon and Ohio State for national supremacy, albeit from a distance. But more than anything – or anyone, or any single team – Alabama is battling history.
Alabama is one of three FBS programs in the poll era – since the start of the 1936 season – to notch three national titles during a four-year span: Notre Dame took home the title in 1946, 1947 and 1949, and Nebraska did the same in 1994, 1995 and 1997. No team in the poll era has won four championships during a five-year span.
History is a juggernaut, full of five-star recruits, led by legends, piloted by All-Americans. History battles the present every fall; history always wins – or almost always wins, at least. History makes Ohio State look like Ohio Wesleyan. Can Alabama beat history? If anyone can, it's the Crimson Tide. But who can beat Alabama?
NO. 125 TO NO. 1: College football countdown
LAST YEAR'S PREDICTION
All I can say is that I peg the Tide as the second-best team in the SEC with great hesitation: Alabama might have to replace several key figures on defense, but this is Alabama, after all, and the head coach is Nick Saban, after all, and it's very hard to imagine a scenario where the Tide simply relinquish control of this division and this conference to LSU after dealing the Tigers such a shellacking in January.
2012 RECAP
— In a nutshell: Alabama notched its third national title since 2009, losing once in the regular season – this is something that happens – before upending Notre Dame in Miami, rolling through the Irish and quickly, per Nick Saban's request, turning to the 2013 season. All that you need to know is this: Asked how long he'd revel in the win against the Irish, Saban said he's take 48 hours to celebrate before turning to the coming season. That statement alone defines Alabama's mentality. The defense was superb, as is often is; Alabama led the FBS in total, rushing and scoring defense. The offense was propelled forward by a rock-solid running game and an opportunistic passing game, one that began to develop more and more national respect as it encountered less and less difficulty against SEC competition. The one blemish was A&M – Alabama wasn't unbeatable, wasn't invincible, was merely the best team in college football. Again.
— High point: The 60-minute highlight reel against Notre Dame. The Irish never stood a chance.
— Low point: The loss to Texas A&M. Was Alabama unprepared? I don't think the team was unprepared – the Tide are never unprepared – but I do think, in a sense, that the Tide was caught extremely off balance by the Aggies' first-quarter body blows.
— Tidbit: Alabama has made an appearance at No. 1 in the Associated Press poll at least once in each of the last six seasons – finishing No. 1 three times, in 2009, 2011 and 2012, and opening No. 1 as we enter the opener in 2013. Alabama is only the second FBS program in the poll era to earn a No. 1 ranking at least six years in a row, joining Miami (Fla.), which was ranked No. 1 at various points for seven years in a row, from 1986-92.
FORMER PLAYERS IN THE NFL
— 33: CB Javier Arenas (Arizona), S Mark Barron (Tampa Bay), OG Antoine Caldwell (Buffalo), OG James Carpenter (Seattle), DT Josh Chapman (Indianapolis), DT Marcell Dareus (Buffalo), DT Brandon Deaderick (Jacksonville), DT Quinton Dial (San Francisco), OT D.J. Fluker (San Diego), DE Wallace Gilberry (Cincinnati), S Roman Harper (New Orleans), LB Jerrell Harris (San Diego), LB Dont'a Hightower (New England), RB Mark Ingram (New Orleans), CB Kareem Jackson (Houston), LB Jarret Johnson (San Diego), S Rashad Johnson (Arizona), OG Barrett Jones (St. Louis), WR Julio Jones (Atlanta), CB Dre Kirkpatrick (Cincinnati), OG Evan Mathis (Philadelphia), QB Greg McElroy (New York Jets), FB Le'Ron McClain (San Diego), CB Dee Milliner (New York Jets), RB Trent Richardson (Cleveland), LB DeMeco Ryans (Philadelphia), TE Brad Smelley (Cleveland), OT Andre Smith (Cincinnati), DE Damion Square (Alabama), LS Carson Tinker (Jacksonville), LB Courtney Upshaw (Baltimore), OG Chance Warmack (Tennessee), DT Jesse Williams (Seattle).
ARBITRARY TOP FIVE LIST
— Teams I'd rank higher, if given the opportunity
1. Rice (No. 94)
2. Baylor (No. 33)
3. Indiana (No. 73)
4. Louisiana-Monroe (No. 64)
5. Middle Tennessee State (No. 79)
COACHING
— Nick Saban (Kent State '73), 68-13 after six seasons in Tuscaloosa, if you count five wins in 2007 since vacated following an NCAA inquiry. In case you had forgotten, how Alabama fared from 2008-9 gave us our first reminder that Saban is one of the top coaches in America. He proved this fact first in 2008, when he led the Tide to a five-win improvement over his 7-6 debut season. Alabama finished the regular season 12-0 and riding a five-week stint atop the national polls. The Tide were unable to carry that momentum into the SEC title game and the Sugar Bowl, but the program succeeded in sending a clear message to the rest of the conference: we're back. Then came 2009, when he took Alabama to the next step: the program's 13th – depending on whom you ask – national championship. That was followed by a 10-win finish in 2010, but Alabama, after suffering a pair of regular season losses, netted another national title in each of the last two seasons.
His experience on the college level includes one season at Toledo (9-2 in 1990), five years at Michigan State (34-24-1 from 1995-99) and five seasons at LSU (48-16 from 2000-4); he won the 2003 national championship with the Tigers. It was during his time at LSU that his star began to rise in the coaching ranks. His trip to Baton Rouge was one of the most interesting stories of 2008, as while his departure from the program was not greeted with disdain, his return to the SEC – the SEC West, specifically – was. LSU was only the beginning: Saban's work with the Crimson Tide dwarfs his stint with the Tigers, as impressive as it was, and makes him one of the most successful coaches in the history of the sport.
His time between LSU and Alabama was spent back in the NFL as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins (2005-6). His two seasons in Miami began well, with Saban leading the Dolphins to a 9-7 mark in 2005, but his team sputtered in 2006 amid injuries and, as the season progressed, growing concern over whether he would return in 2007. His additional experience on the NFL level includes two years as a Houston Oilers assistant (1988-89) and another four as Bill Belichick's defensive coordinator with the Cleveland Browns (1991-94). It's plainly obvious that Saban is first and foremost a college coach, and one of the best to ever stalk the sidelines.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
— Offense: I think of AJ McCarron today, viewing the senior as one of the finest players in college football and a clear top-three favorite for the Heisman Trophy, but I also view McCarron in light of history – as I do with this entire program, as noted in the opening. Let's talk today: McCarron gets dangerously little recognition for his production, his careful work within this offense; lands little love for the way he bleeds opposing defense to death with a nick there, a cut there, a bomb here, a bomb there; not enough praise for his physical gifts; and not nearly enough respect for his elite performance level in each of the last two seasons. In short: McCarron is, in fact, an elite quarterback; let's treat him like one. Now, in a historical prism, McCarron is another title away from making a case for the finest quarterback in college football history – yes, the finest quarterback in college football history. He's already won a pair of titles. He's thrown 46 touchdowns against eight interceptions. He's averaged 8.67 yards per attempt. He's grown more and more comfortable under center. He's the premier leader in the country. He's an extension of the finest coach in the country. McCarron is an elite quarterback; he's not a game manager, not by a long shot, and anyone who thinks otherwise simply hasn't been paying attention.
The running game is led by sophomore T.J. Yeldon (1,108 yards and 12 touchdowns), who is more than ready to assume the mantle – and the pressure, and the touches, and the acclaim – that comes with being Alabama's lead back. It's a role he shared a year ago, to a degree, with Eddie Lacy; this was a ridiculously intimidating one-two punch, following the program's recent trend in the backfield, so the Tide do need to locate another helping hand to team with Yeldon's ferocity. Alabama has options: Kenyan Drake (281 yards) is one, though he'll also see time at H-back; the staff also has big-body junior Jalston Fowler, sophomore Dee Hart and true freshman Derrick Henry, and there's every expectation that the rookie will serve in a huge role from the start – perhaps eventually serving as Yeldon's primary backup. Here's what last season's experience and recent history suggests: Yeldon will challenge for the Heisman, for one, and one of the current reserves will do the same at some point during the next four seasons.
The only meaningful receiving targets gone from a year ago are Lacy, who chipped in nicely, and tight end Michael Williams, a very underrated cog in last season's machine. But everyone else is back, beginning with sophomore Amri Cooper (58 receptions for 999 yards and 11 touchdowns), who is set to explode as a second-year starter – because he's even better today than he was a year ago, when he stood as the top rookie receiver in the FBS. Beyond Cooper, however, the Tide have Kenny Bell (17 for 431), Christion Jones (27 for 368), DeAndrew White and true freshmen Raheem Falkins and Robert Foster, the latter a major, major talent. This is a frightening group. What about tight end? Sit down a minute: I think Alabama's tight ends are a concern. Yes, this team isn't perfect – though this is just my opinion. Junior Brian Vogler will start the opener, Fowler will chip in as a blocker, runner and receiver, but the Tide will need an impactful season from freshmen O.J. Howard and Brandon Greene.
— Defense: There are the makings of another best-in-the-country defense in Tuscaloosa, though Alabama's quest for another unstoppable unit hinges on the development of new starters at nose tackle and cornerback. One other thing: Alabama needs to get more pressure on passing downs, an issue at times last fall – though not a major issue, obviously. In terms of landing heat off the edge, the Tide will look to sophomore Denzel Devall and junior Xzavier Dickson to shine at outside linebacker; both were on a rollercoaster last fall, though an added season of experience – and another year in the conditioning program – should yield dividends. That this pair stands as the biggest question marks on the second level speaks to Alabama's talent at linebacker: C.J. Mosley (107 tackles, 4.0 sacks) might be the finest defender in the country, Trey DePriest (59 tackles) shines in the background and junior Adrian Hubbard (41 tackles, 7.0 sacks) will be an All-American. This group leads the way for the entire defense, and does so in style.
There's a hole in the middle of the defensive front, where Jesse Williams once did his thing, but it should be fine: Brandon Ivory played extensively in 2012, spelling Williams, and seems very prepared for the starting job. Ivory will be backed up by sophomore Darren Lake, who will take a leap in playing time, while freshman Korren Kirven could work himself into a larger role during the course of SEC play. Another freshman, A'Shawn Robinson, will play from the start at end, joining the rotation of senior Ed Stinson (30 tackles, 8.5 for loss), junior Jeoffrey Pagan (23 tackles), sophomore LaMichael Fanning and fellow rookies Jonathan Allen and Dalvin Tomlinson – Stinson and Pagan start, with Fanning the top end off the bench. This line will continue to quietly go about its business, controlling the line of scrimmage, and will improve exponentially as the freshmen develop a stronger comfort level.
The Tide need to settle on a starting cornerback to join senior Deion Belue (40 tackles, 2 interceptions), the former JUCO transfer; Belue is no longer a concern, in my mind, even if he was an object of undivided attention from opposing quarterbacks in 2012. Belue will likely be joined by sophomore Geno Smith, if he's out of Saban's doghouse – though Smith will miss the opener due to a suspension. Smith could even spend more time as Alabama's extra defensive back in its nickel package; when Smith does slide inside, the Tide could move senior John Fulton or sophomore Cyrus Jones into a starting role on the outside. The safety tandem is outstanding: HaHa Clinton-Dix (37 tackles, 5 interceptions) is ready for Sundays, and Vinnie Sunseri (54 tackles, 2 interceptions) is just a perfect fit for the back end in this defense – because he's defined by his consistency. Landon Collins and Nick Perry will continue to see major time in reserve spots at safety.
— Special teams: Alabama's kicking game needs a steady season from senior Cade Foster, the new starter after splitting duties with Jeremy Shelley during the last two years. The Tide also return senior punter Cody Mandell, one of the best in the SEC. The return game is fantastic, perhaps even more so if a healthy Hart contributes, and the coverage teams – if spotty at moments in 2012 – have more than enough talent to dictate field position.
POSITION(S) TO WATCH
— Offensive line: The line is now led by former FIU coach Mario Cristobal, who once did the same at Miami (Fla.) and Rutgers, and enters 2013 with new starters at left guard, center and right tackle. The gem of the line is junior left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio, a likely All-American with the size, athleticism and footwork to dominate defensive linemen on first, second and third down. The Tide also bring back senior right guard Anthony Steen, who might be the most underrated interior lineman in the FBS: Steen couldn't help but be overshadowed by Chance Warmack and Barrett Jones, of course, but he was the only Alabama lineman to not allow a sack in 2012. Kouandjio will be joined on the left side by his brother, Arie, who has battled some injury issues during his early career but has the talent to shine as a full-time starter – giving Alabama two next-level starters on the weak side of the line. There's never been much doubt about the Tide's transition plan at center: Ryan Kelly, a sophomore, assumed Jones' former role during spring ball – and let's remember that Kelly spent a good amount of time working with the first-team offense during preparations for Notre Dame last December. At right tackle, junior Austin Shepherd gives this offense a major mean streak. And you know how other FBS programs – even title-caliber teams – are often young on the second tier? Not Alabama. The Tide's top reserves include two seniors and two juniors.
GAME(S) TO WATCH
— Texas A&M: What follows are five important things to note about the Tide's 2013 schedule. One: Alabama gets LSU at home. Two: Alabama misses Georgia, Florida and South Carolina from the SEC East Division. Three: Alabama has only four true road games all season. Four: Alabama has a bye week before taking on Texas A&M on Sept. 14 and LSU on Nov. 9. Five: Alabama's 2013 schedule is as smooth as they come in the SEC.
SEASON BREAKDOWN & PREDICTION
— In a nutshell: Alabama is my pick to win the 2013 national championship. Don't act surprised. While sliding in new faces at some new spots, the Crimson Tide are stocked, locked and loaded, ready for another run, ready to again plant its flag amid a shower of confetti in January. Don't be surprised. Alabama is again the nation's best team, against coached better than anyone, again propelled forward by wonderful leadership and again defined by its ability to put forward the sort of consistently balanced effort needed to throttle every opponent in its path. This team is no worse than last year's version; it's better in many areas, in fact, and extremely motivated to secure a unique spot in college football history.
Want to nitpick? Here are some areas to choose: Alabama needs a second running back, freshmen to contribute at tight end, Shepherd to hold down the fort at right tackle, freshmen to play at defensive end, more pressure at outside linebacker and consistency at the second cornerback spot. All these issues will be amended by Texas A&M – they've already been amended, in fact, though we won't seem them in action until later today. On the other hand, Alabama ranks among the nation's elite at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, offensive line and linebacker. Each of these groups stands among the five best in the FBS. This is Alabama.
Now, the Tide could lose a game during the regular season, since this seems to be a theme. But that won't stop this train, which continues rolling down the tracks, obliterating opponents, hopes and dreams with reckless abandon. Who is going to stop Alabama? Who will derail this run toward history? I'll tell you who stops Alabama: Alabama. Alabama stops Alabama, and that's it. Only the Tide can slow the Tide's run for another national championship. Right or wrong, let's get ready for some football.
— Dream season: Alabama goes undefeated, netting its fourth national championship in five seasons.
— Nightmare season: The Tide lose to Texas A&M and LSU, finishing third in the SEC West and outside the BCS.
UP NEXT
— What's next? College football, and lots of it.
2013 TEAM OVERVIEW
— Conference: SEC, West
— Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
— Nickname: Crimson Tide
— Returning starters: 13 (6 offense, 7 defense)
— Last year's ranking: No. 4
— 2012 record: 13-1 (7-1)
— Last year's re-ranking: No. 1
— 2013 schedule:
Aug. 31 vs. Virginia Tech (in Atlanta)
Sept. 14 at Texas A&M
Sept. 21 Colorado State
Sept. 28 Mississippi
Oct. 5 Georgia State
Oct. 12 at Kentucky
Oct. 19 Arkansas
Oct. 26 Tennessee
Nov. 9 LSU
Nov. 16 at Mississippi State
Nov. 23 Chattanooga
Nov. 30 at Auburn
Paul Myerberg, a national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports, is on Twitter @PaulMyerberg.
Anyways, good data below.
Link to the entire countdown - great snapshot of info for other teams > http://www.usatoday.com/topic/980e11db-b6b3-49f3-9ccf-ed0fe5ea7193/college-football-countdown/
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...3-preview-college-football-countdown/2750249/
Alabama's battling Texas A&M, LSU, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina for the top spot in the SEC. The Crimson Tide are also tussling with Stanford, Oregon and Ohio State for national supremacy, albeit from a distance. But more than anything – or anyone, or any single team – Alabama is battling history.
Alabama is one of three FBS programs in the poll era – since the start of the 1936 season – to notch three national titles during a four-year span: Notre Dame took home the title in 1946, 1947 and 1949, and Nebraska did the same in 1994, 1995 and 1997. No team in the poll era has won four championships during a five-year span.
History is a juggernaut, full of five-star recruits, led by legends, piloted by All-Americans. History battles the present every fall; history always wins – or almost always wins, at least. History makes Ohio State look like Ohio Wesleyan. Can Alabama beat history? If anyone can, it's the Crimson Tide. But who can beat Alabama?
NO. 125 TO NO. 1: College football countdown
LAST YEAR'S PREDICTION
All I can say is that I peg the Tide as the second-best team in the SEC with great hesitation: Alabama might have to replace several key figures on defense, but this is Alabama, after all, and the head coach is Nick Saban, after all, and it's very hard to imagine a scenario where the Tide simply relinquish control of this division and this conference to LSU after dealing the Tigers such a shellacking in January.
2012 RECAP
— In a nutshell: Alabama notched its third national title since 2009, losing once in the regular season – this is something that happens – before upending Notre Dame in Miami, rolling through the Irish and quickly, per Nick Saban's request, turning to the 2013 season. All that you need to know is this: Asked how long he'd revel in the win against the Irish, Saban said he's take 48 hours to celebrate before turning to the coming season. That statement alone defines Alabama's mentality. The defense was superb, as is often is; Alabama led the FBS in total, rushing and scoring defense. The offense was propelled forward by a rock-solid running game and an opportunistic passing game, one that began to develop more and more national respect as it encountered less and less difficulty against SEC competition. The one blemish was A&M – Alabama wasn't unbeatable, wasn't invincible, was merely the best team in college football. Again.
— High point: The 60-minute highlight reel against Notre Dame. The Irish never stood a chance.
— Low point: The loss to Texas A&M. Was Alabama unprepared? I don't think the team was unprepared – the Tide are never unprepared – but I do think, in a sense, that the Tide was caught extremely off balance by the Aggies' first-quarter body blows.
— Tidbit: Alabama has made an appearance at No. 1 in the Associated Press poll at least once in each of the last six seasons – finishing No. 1 three times, in 2009, 2011 and 2012, and opening No. 1 as we enter the opener in 2013. Alabama is only the second FBS program in the poll era to earn a No. 1 ranking at least six years in a row, joining Miami (Fla.), which was ranked No. 1 at various points for seven years in a row, from 1986-92.
FORMER PLAYERS IN THE NFL
— 33: CB Javier Arenas (Arizona), S Mark Barron (Tampa Bay), OG Antoine Caldwell (Buffalo), OG James Carpenter (Seattle), DT Josh Chapman (Indianapolis), DT Marcell Dareus (Buffalo), DT Brandon Deaderick (Jacksonville), DT Quinton Dial (San Francisco), OT D.J. Fluker (San Diego), DE Wallace Gilberry (Cincinnati), S Roman Harper (New Orleans), LB Jerrell Harris (San Diego), LB Dont'a Hightower (New England), RB Mark Ingram (New Orleans), CB Kareem Jackson (Houston), LB Jarret Johnson (San Diego), S Rashad Johnson (Arizona), OG Barrett Jones (St. Louis), WR Julio Jones (Atlanta), CB Dre Kirkpatrick (Cincinnati), OG Evan Mathis (Philadelphia), QB Greg McElroy (New York Jets), FB Le'Ron McClain (San Diego), CB Dee Milliner (New York Jets), RB Trent Richardson (Cleveland), LB DeMeco Ryans (Philadelphia), TE Brad Smelley (Cleveland), OT Andre Smith (Cincinnati), DE Damion Square (Alabama), LS Carson Tinker (Jacksonville), LB Courtney Upshaw (Baltimore), OG Chance Warmack (Tennessee), DT Jesse Williams (Seattle).
ARBITRARY TOP FIVE LIST
— Teams I'd rank higher, if given the opportunity
1. Rice (No. 94)
2. Baylor (No. 33)
3. Indiana (No. 73)
4. Louisiana-Monroe (No. 64)
5. Middle Tennessee State (No. 79)
COACHING
— Nick Saban (Kent State '73), 68-13 after six seasons in Tuscaloosa, if you count five wins in 2007 since vacated following an NCAA inquiry. In case you had forgotten, how Alabama fared from 2008-9 gave us our first reminder that Saban is one of the top coaches in America. He proved this fact first in 2008, when he led the Tide to a five-win improvement over his 7-6 debut season. Alabama finished the regular season 12-0 and riding a five-week stint atop the national polls. The Tide were unable to carry that momentum into the SEC title game and the Sugar Bowl, but the program succeeded in sending a clear message to the rest of the conference: we're back. Then came 2009, when he took Alabama to the next step: the program's 13th – depending on whom you ask – national championship. That was followed by a 10-win finish in 2010, but Alabama, after suffering a pair of regular season losses, netted another national title in each of the last two seasons.
His experience on the college level includes one season at Toledo (9-2 in 1990), five years at Michigan State (34-24-1 from 1995-99) and five seasons at LSU (48-16 from 2000-4); he won the 2003 national championship with the Tigers. It was during his time at LSU that his star began to rise in the coaching ranks. His trip to Baton Rouge was one of the most interesting stories of 2008, as while his departure from the program was not greeted with disdain, his return to the SEC – the SEC West, specifically – was. LSU was only the beginning: Saban's work with the Crimson Tide dwarfs his stint with the Tigers, as impressive as it was, and makes him one of the most successful coaches in the history of the sport.
His time between LSU and Alabama was spent back in the NFL as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins (2005-6). His two seasons in Miami began well, with Saban leading the Dolphins to a 9-7 mark in 2005, but his team sputtered in 2006 amid injuries and, as the season progressed, growing concern over whether he would return in 2007. His additional experience on the NFL level includes two years as a Houston Oilers assistant (1988-89) and another four as Bill Belichick's defensive coordinator with the Cleveland Browns (1991-94). It's plainly obvious that Saban is first and foremost a college coach, and one of the best to ever stalk the sidelines.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
— Offense: I think of AJ McCarron today, viewing the senior as one of the finest players in college football and a clear top-three favorite for the Heisman Trophy, but I also view McCarron in light of history – as I do with this entire program, as noted in the opening. Let's talk today: McCarron gets dangerously little recognition for his production, his careful work within this offense; lands little love for the way he bleeds opposing defense to death with a nick there, a cut there, a bomb here, a bomb there; not enough praise for his physical gifts; and not nearly enough respect for his elite performance level in each of the last two seasons. In short: McCarron is, in fact, an elite quarterback; let's treat him like one. Now, in a historical prism, McCarron is another title away from making a case for the finest quarterback in college football history – yes, the finest quarterback in college football history. He's already won a pair of titles. He's thrown 46 touchdowns against eight interceptions. He's averaged 8.67 yards per attempt. He's grown more and more comfortable under center. He's the premier leader in the country. He's an extension of the finest coach in the country. McCarron is an elite quarterback; he's not a game manager, not by a long shot, and anyone who thinks otherwise simply hasn't been paying attention.
The running game is led by sophomore T.J. Yeldon (1,108 yards and 12 touchdowns), who is more than ready to assume the mantle – and the pressure, and the touches, and the acclaim – that comes with being Alabama's lead back. It's a role he shared a year ago, to a degree, with Eddie Lacy; this was a ridiculously intimidating one-two punch, following the program's recent trend in the backfield, so the Tide do need to locate another helping hand to team with Yeldon's ferocity. Alabama has options: Kenyan Drake (281 yards) is one, though he'll also see time at H-back; the staff also has big-body junior Jalston Fowler, sophomore Dee Hart and true freshman Derrick Henry, and there's every expectation that the rookie will serve in a huge role from the start – perhaps eventually serving as Yeldon's primary backup. Here's what last season's experience and recent history suggests: Yeldon will challenge for the Heisman, for one, and one of the current reserves will do the same at some point during the next four seasons.
The only meaningful receiving targets gone from a year ago are Lacy, who chipped in nicely, and tight end Michael Williams, a very underrated cog in last season's machine. But everyone else is back, beginning with sophomore Amri Cooper (58 receptions for 999 yards and 11 touchdowns), who is set to explode as a second-year starter – because he's even better today than he was a year ago, when he stood as the top rookie receiver in the FBS. Beyond Cooper, however, the Tide have Kenny Bell (17 for 431), Christion Jones (27 for 368), DeAndrew White and true freshmen Raheem Falkins and Robert Foster, the latter a major, major talent. This is a frightening group. What about tight end? Sit down a minute: I think Alabama's tight ends are a concern. Yes, this team isn't perfect – though this is just my opinion. Junior Brian Vogler will start the opener, Fowler will chip in as a blocker, runner and receiver, but the Tide will need an impactful season from freshmen O.J. Howard and Brandon Greene.
— Defense: There are the makings of another best-in-the-country defense in Tuscaloosa, though Alabama's quest for another unstoppable unit hinges on the development of new starters at nose tackle and cornerback. One other thing: Alabama needs to get more pressure on passing downs, an issue at times last fall – though not a major issue, obviously. In terms of landing heat off the edge, the Tide will look to sophomore Denzel Devall and junior Xzavier Dickson to shine at outside linebacker; both were on a rollercoaster last fall, though an added season of experience – and another year in the conditioning program – should yield dividends. That this pair stands as the biggest question marks on the second level speaks to Alabama's talent at linebacker: C.J. Mosley (107 tackles, 4.0 sacks) might be the finest defender in the country, Trey DePriest (59 tackles) shines in the background and junior Adrian Hubbard (41 tackles, 7.0 sacks) will be an All-American. This group leads the way for the entire defense, and does so in style.
There's a hole in the middle of the defensive front, where Jesse Williams once did his thing, but it should be fine: Brandon Ivory played extensively in 2012, spelling Williams, and seems very prepared for the starting job. Ivory will be backed up by sophomore Darren Lake, who will take a leap in playing time, while freshman Korren Kirven could work himself into a larger role during the course of SEC play. Another freshman, A'Shawn Robinson, will play from the start at end, joining the rotation of senior Ed Stinson (30 tackles, 8.5 for loss), junior Jeoffrey Pagan (23 tackles), sophomore LaMichael Fanning and fellow rookies Jonathan Allen and Dalvin Tomlinson – Stinson and Pagan start, with Fanning the top end off the bench. This line will continue to quietly go about its business, controlling the line of scrimmage, and will improve exponentially as the freshmen develop a stronger comfort level.
The Tide need to settle on a starting cornerback to join senior Deion Belue (40 tackles, 2 interceptions), the former JUCO transfer; Belue is no longer a concern, in my mind, even if he was an object of undivided attention from opposing quarterbacks in 2012. Belue will likely be joined by sophomore Geno Smith, if he's out of Saban's doghouse – though Smith will miss the opener due to a suspension. Smith could even spend more time as Alabama's extra defensive back in its nickel package; when Smith does slide inside, the Tide could move senior John Fulton or sophomore Cyrus Jones into a starting role on the outside. The safety tandem is outstanding: HaHa Clinton-Dix (37 tackles, 5 interceptions) is ready for Sundays, and Vinnie Sunseri (54 tackles, 2 interceptions) is just a perfect fit for the back end in this defense – because he's defined by his consistency. Landon Collins and Nick Perry will continue to see major time in reserve spots at safety.
— Special teams: Alabama's kicking game needs a steady season from senior Cade Foster, the new starter after splitting duties with Jeremy Shelley during the last two years. The Tide also return senior punter Cody Mandell, one of the best in the SEC. The return game is fantastic, perhaps even more so if a healthy Hart contributes, and the coverage teams – if spotty at moments in 2012 – have more than enough talent to dictate field position.
POSITION(S) TO WATCH
— Offensive line: The line is now led by former FIU coach Mario Cristobal, who once did the same at Miami (Fla.) and Rutgers, and enters 2013 with new starters at left guard, center and right tackle. The gem of the line is junior left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio, a likely All-American with the size, athleticism and footwork to dominate defensive linemen on first, second and third down. The Tide also bring back senior right guard Anthony Steen, who might be the most underrated interior lineman in the FBS: Steen couldn't help but be overshadowed by Chance Warmack and Barrett Jones, of course, but he was the only Alabama lineman to not allow a sack in 2012. Kouandjio will be joined on the left side by his brother, Arie, who has battled some injury issues during his early career but has the talent to shine as a full-time starter – giving Alabama two next-level starters on the weak side of the line. There's never been much doubt about the Tide's transition plan at center: Ryan Kelly, a sophomore, assumed Jones' former role during spring ball – and let's remember that Kelly spent a good amount of time working with the first-team offense during preparations for Notre Dame last December. At right tackle, junior Austin Shepherd gives this offense a major mean streak. And you know how other FBS programs – even title-caliber teams – are often young on the second tier? Not Alabama. The Tide's top reserves include two seniors and two juniors.
GAME(S) TO WATCH
— Texas A&M: What follows are five important things to note about the Tide's 2013 schedule. One: Alabama gets LSU at home. Two: Alabama misses Georgia, Florida and South Carolina from the SEC East Division. Three: Alabama has only four true road games all season. Four: Alabama has a bye week before taking on Texas A&M on Sept. 14 and LSU on Nov. 9. Five: Alabama's 2013 schedule is as smooth as they come in the SEC.
SEASON BREAKDOWN & PREDICTION
— In a nutshell: Alabama is my pick to win the 2013 national championship. Don't act surprised. While sliding in new faces at some new spots, the Crimson Tide are stocked, locked and loaded, ready for another run, ready to again plant its flag amid a shower of confetti in January. Don't be surprised. Alabama is again the nation's best team, against coached better than anyone, again propelled forward by wonderful leadership and again defined by its ability to put forward the sort of consistently balanced effort needed to throttle every opponent in its path. This team is no worse than last year's version; it's better in many areas, in fact, and extremely motivated to secure a unique spot in college football history.
Want to nitpick? Here are some areas to choose: Alabama needs a second running back, freshmen to contribute at tight end, Shepherd to hold down the fort at right tackle, freshmen to play at defensive end, more pressure at outside linebacker and consistency at the second cornerback spot. All these issues will be amended by Texas A&M – they've already been amended, in fact, though we won't seem them in action until later today. On the other hand, Alabama ranks among the nation's elite at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, offensive line and linebacker. Each of these groups stands among the five best in the FBS. This is Alabama.
Now, the Tide could lose a game during the regular season, since this seems to be a theme. But that won't stop this train, which continues rolling down the tracks, obliterating opponents, hopes and dreams with reckless abandon. Who is going to stop Alabama? Who will derail this run toward history? I'll tell you who stops Alabama: Alabama. Alabama stops Alabama, and that's it. Only the Tide can slow the Tide's run for another national championship. Right or wrong, let's get ready for some football.
— Dream season: Alabama goes undefeated, netting its fourth national championship in five seasons.
— Nightmare season: The Tide lose to Texas A&M and LSU, finishing third in the SEC West and outside the BCS.
UP NEXT
— What's next? College football, and lots of it.
2013 TEAM OVERVIEW
— Conference: SEC, West
— Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
— Nickname: Crimson Tide
— Returning starters: 13 (6 offense, 7 defense)
— Last year's ranking: No. 4
— 2012 record: 13-1 (7-1)
— Last year's re-ranking: No. 1
— 2013 schedule:
Aug. 31 vs. Virginia Tech (in Atlanta)
Sept. 14 at Texas A&M
Sept. 21 Colorado State
Sept. 28 Mississippi
Oct. 5 Georgia State
Oct. 12 at Kentucky
Oct. 19 Arkansas
Oct. 26 Tennessee
Nov. 9 LSU
Nov. 16 at Mississippi State
Nov. 23 Chattanooga
Nov. 30 at Auburn
Paul Myerberg, a national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports, is on Twitter @PaulMyerberg.
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