HELLO BAMANATION CITIZENS!! Welcome to Alabama Weekly! The purpose of this newsletter is to recap the week's events in University of Alabama Crimson Tide Sports. This issue of Alabama Weekly is being sent to over 850 Tide Fans worldwide!

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Editor's Note: In last week's Alabama Weekly, we gave you some predictions as to what would happen in the SEC this season. This week, we give you the TideFans.com ALL-SEC teams and a glimpse at some of the big games in the conference.

Last year, on the old BamaNation site, we brought you a set of whimsical predictions concerning the 1998 football season. We repeated that feature this year and have expanded it just a bit. One of the new features is the 1999 TideFans All-SEC teams. We hope you enjoy it!

1999 TideFans All-SEC team--Offense

1st Team
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WR: Anthony Lucas, ARK
WR: Corey Peterson, OM
TE: Joe Dean Davenport, ARK
OT: Kenyatta Walker, FLA
OG: Cosey Coleman, UT
C: Spencer Riley, UT
OG: Terrance Metcalf, OM
OT: Chris Samuels, UA
QB: Romaro Miller, OM
FB: Tommy Banks, LSU
RB: Shaun Alexander, UA
PK: Robert Bironas, AU

2nd Team
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WR: Abram Booty, LSU
WR: Cedrick Wilson, UT
TE: Terrance McCaskey, MSU
OT: Todd Wade, OM
OG: Trey Langley, LSU
C: Zac Zedalis, UF
OG: Ryan Kalich, UF
OT: Chad Clifton, UT
QB: Quincy Carter, UGA
FB: Derek Homer, UK
RB: Jamal Lewis, UT
PK: Seth Hanson, UK

3rd Team
-----------------
WR: Tavarus Hogans, VU
WR: Freddie Milons, UA
TE: Kyle Kipps, LSU
OT: Bobby Williams, ARK
OG: Cheston Blackshear, UF
C: Miles Luckie, UGA
OG: Steven Herndon, UGA
OT: Jeno James, AU
QB: Tee Martin, UT
FB: Dustin McClintock, UA
RB: Rondell Mealey, LSU
PK: John Markham, VU

1999 TideFans All-SEC team—Defense

1st Team
-----------------
DE: Shaun Ellis, UT
DT: Billy Ratliff, UT
DT: Cornelius Griffin, UA
DE: Leonardo Carson, AU
LB: Barrin Simpson, MSU
LB: Armegis Spearman, OM
LB: Reynoch Thompson, UT
CB: Jimmy Williams, VU
FS: Deon Grant, UT
SS: Ainsley Battles, VU
CB: Dewayne Goodrich, UT
P: Jeff Walker, MSU

2nd Team
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DE: Marcus Washington, AU
DT: Kenny Smith, UA
DT: Darwin Walker, UT
DE: Kindal Moorehead, UA
LB: Ronnie Heard, OM
LB: Jamie Winborn, VU
LB: Orantes Grant, UGA
CB: David Barnett, ARK
FS: Arturo Freeman, USC
SS: Fred White, UT
CB: Robert Bean, MSU
P: Corey Gibbs, LSU

3rd Team
-----------------
DE: Johnny Mitchell, LSU
DT: Kevin Sluder, MSU
DT: Jimmy Brumbaugh, AU
DE: Jarvis Green, LSU
LB: Miguel Merritt, UA
LB: James Callier, AU
LB: Jeff Snedegar, UK
CB: Reggie Myles, UA
FS: Kenoy Kennedy, ARK
SS: Rob Pate, AU
CB: Antoine Nolan, AU
P: Courtney Leavitt, USC

Tennessee at Florida, Sept. 18th
This game is quickly becoming the biggest SEC game of the season. A shame, therefore, that it must be played at the beginning of the year. Looking solely at talent, UT should win this one in a runaway. However, the game is in the swamp, and Steve Spurrier isn’t one to let a big rival win in his own backyard. Could it be Florida in an upset? The Crystal Ball says yes.

Auburn at LSU, Sept. 18th
Both teams SHOULD be undefeated coming into this game, but you never know. Auburn starts with Appalachian State, who has a habit of beating Wake Forest more than just occasionally, and Idaho, which defeated Southern Miss in a bowl game. LSU starts with San Jose State and North Texas, both pushovers. Each will get its first real test in this game. All signs point towards the Bayou Bengals, but Tommy Tuberville had LSU’s number while at Ole Miss, and LSU has gone haywire at home over recent years. Auburn in an upset.

Arkansas at Alabama, Sept. 25th
Alabama should be 3-0 coming into this game, while Arkansas gets SMU and NE Louisiana and should win both. The Tide got embarrassed in Fayetteville last year, and this could be the pivotal game of Alabama’s season. A win spurs confidence. A loss could doom Alabama to a 6-5 season or worse.

Ole Miss at Auburn, Sept. 25th
No surprise here. The Rebels don’t like Tommy Tuberville very much right now, and memories of self-destructing at home versus the Tigers in 1998 still loom large. If Auburn hasn’t found its running game by the time this one kicks off, Ole Miss could win by three touchdowns. If Auburn happens to lose more than one of its first three games, this one could shatter what little confidence they have left. Ole Miss probably should have one this game two years ago; now they get their revenge.

Alabama at Florida, Oct. 2nd
This game will go a long way toward telling just how good Alabama really is. Florida returns only two defensive starters, although their offense returns largely intact. Alabama has never had a better chance to win in the swamp during the Spurrier regime, and if the Tide is undefeated coming in (which they should be), an upset is probable. The only problem is that Steve Spurrier really is as good as everyone says he is. Florida in a close one.

Alabama at Ole Miss, Oct. 16th
Alabama could have a weird season, opening 4-0, then going 0-3, then going 4-0 again to finish the season. Ole Miss is sandwiched between Florida and Tennessee and follows an open date in the Tide schedule. Mike DuBose has never won after an open date, and Ole Miss is the most experienced team in the conference. Even though the Tide should still win, this could very well be the Rebels’ year. Ole Miss in a nail-biter.

Tennessee at Alabama, Oct. 23rd
This game was just another UA-UT affair until it got moved to Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Now, it’s personal. Alabama will be looking to snap a four game losing skid to the Vols, who are as talented as some NFL teams are. If there has ever been a team the Tide has been able to beat when it had no business doing so, Tennessee is that team. The Tide will make a go of it, but it still should be the Vols in the end.

Vanderbilt at South Carolina, Oct. 23rd
Following the Commodore’s surprise victory over South Carolina last year, a loudspeaker at a South Carolina supermarket delivered the following message: “Ladies and gentlemen, the impossible has just happened. Vanderbilt has beaten South Carolina 17-14.” Call this one a revenge game. The Gamecocks roll at home.

Florida vs. Georgia, Oct. 30th
This one could decide most of the bowl picture in the SEC, as it will likely decide the pecking order of selection. It could also decide who goes to Atlanta, should the Gators or Bulldogs be able to upset Tennessee. Neither team is particularly experienced, and each will be spending a lot of time early in the season developing depth. This game will be a wild one, and picking a winner is nearly impossible. Quincy Carter will likely be the difference.

Notre Dame at Tennessee, Nov. 6th
This one will go a long way to establishing respect for Tennessee on the national level. Whether it’s fair or not, no one gets the respect that Notre Dame gets even if the Irish are terrible. Notre Dame, while possessing a lot of young talent, doesn’t have the horses to keep up with the Vols and this one could get ugly quick. Bob Davie could find his seat getting a lot warmer after this spanking-to-be.

Alabama at Auburn, Nov. 20th
Always a big game, no matter what the records are. Alabama goes to Auburn and will likely be a clear favorite for the first time. The Tide has come close twice before, losing on a close call in the endzone in 1995 and on a boneheaded pass play fumble in 1997. This time around, Auburn is going to have to pull out all the stops if they want to have a chance. Picking blowouts in the Iron Bowl is never advisable, but the Tide should seriously win this one by more than two touchdowns. A more likely scenario is seven points or less.

SEC Championship Game
Under our scenario (see last week's ALW), Ole Miss will play Tennessee. That natural rivalry is likely to produce a lot of offensive fireworks, with the subplot of Rebel Coach David Cutcliffe returning to prove his worth against his former employer. Although the Rebels will be out-talented, the coaching is a push and anything can happen in such a high stakes game. Who will win? No way to tell now, but the safe bet is Tennessee. That is, of course, why they play the games on the field instead of here on the computer.

Editor's Note: Beginning this week with our Alabama Crimson Tide, we begin a weekly series bringing you a preview and Team Overview of each of the SEC teams. Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

Returning Offensive Starters: 10 (SE, TE, RT, RG, C, LG, LT, QB, FB, RB)

Returning Defensive Starters: 8 (RDE, RDT, LDT, LDE, MLB, RCB, FS, SS)
Returning Specialists: 1 (PK)

Projected Overall Record: 8-3 (UT, UF, OM)
Projected SEC Record: 5-3 (UT, UF, OM)
Projected SEC West Record: 4-1 (OM)

Ratings (Ex, Vg, Av, Fr, Pr)
----------------------------------------
Quarterbacks: Vg     Defensive Line: Ex
Running backs: Ex      Linebackers: Av
Wide Receivers: Vg     Defensive Backs: Av
Offensive Line: Av     Special Teams: Fr

The Alabama Crimson Tide is poised to take back its usual place as one of the top two or three teams in the SEC year in and year out. The Tide has rebuilt its talent base over the last two seasons, but must still develop its depth and get experience for younger players. The Tide will have its work cut out for it in the balanced SEC West. How will they fare?

OFFENSE

Alabama began last season threatening to pass on every play. They ended the year developing a consistent attack centered around running back Shaun Alexander. This year should feature more of the same, as Alabama develops more balance on the offensive side of the ball.

QUARTERBACKS
Andrew Zow or Tyler Watts? Pick your poison. Zow, mobile enough to make plays out of the pocket, has a strong arm and no fear. He also has the confidence of his teammates, who he rallied down the stretch last season. Watts, a surgical passer with tremendous footspeed, has played well in the spring and has moved into contention for the job. Both players will play liberally the first three games, after which Coach Mike DuBose hopes he will have one go-to guy. The Tide also has redshirt freshman Luke Tucker around, as well as Jonathan Richey and signee Josh Parker.

RUNNING BACKS
Couple Heisman candidate Shaun Alexander with the Tide’s depth at quarterback and what you have is an offensive nightmare. However, while there is depth a-plenty at quarterback, Alexander is basically a one-man gang in the backfield. Shaun Bohanon and Ahmaad Galloway competed for the backup job in the spring, with Bohanon eventually winning the job after a strong spring game. However, Bohanon’s academic status is questionable, and neither player is Alexander’s caliber. Last year’s backup, Arvin Richard, will probably move to WR. Signees Brandon Miree and Santonio Beard, if qualified, could play their way into the mix. Cornerback Shontua Ray could also move back over if needed.

WIDE RECEIVERS
The Tide took a major hit with the transfer of Eric Locke. While Locke was probably never going to be David Palmer, he did have hands of glue and had no fear of going across the middle. Now that Locke has left the building, the Tide must move to find a suitable rotation. Sophomore Freddie Milons should be the go-to guy on one side, leaving seniors Tim Bowens and Shamari Buchanan to fight it out on the other side. Milons is the real deal—a player with speed to burn, excellent hands, and a cocky attitude. Bowens is a smart possession receiver who needs to keep working on his hands. Buchanan is a big target, but has had injury problems. Sophomore Jason McAddley, fast as lightning and a good blocker, could be a breakout player. Freshmen Sam Collins and Jay Stubbs both have good hands and should work their way into the rotation.

The big news is the signees—Antonio Carter and Leonard Fulgham will almost certainly play if qualified, and Brandon Greer is a rangy possession receiver with decent speed. Cornerback signee Hirchel Bolden could play here as well. As for the tight ends, sophomore Terry Jones, Jr. had a good spring and should hold onto the job. Freshman Johnovan Morgan is a fierce blocker, and coverted linebacker Theo Sanders has good speed and hands. Signees Casey Gilbert and Michael Gaines could play here or move to other positions.

OFFENSIVE LINE
The Tide needs improvement from this unit, which too often played patty-cake with advancing defensive linemen. The Tide has one bona fide superstar, left tackle Chris Samuels. After that, the talent level drops precipitously, with the small but technically sound center Paul Hogan likely the next best player. Will Cuthbert, who played tackle in 1998, needs to move to guard where he can utilize his talents better. Guards Griff Redmill and Jason McDonald are finding their jobs to be in danger. The most likely newcomers to break through are junior Kenric Lott and redshirt freshman tackle Bart Raulston, who simply put is a monster. Signee Dante Alexander could play early. The darkhorse is center/guard Marico Portis, who is as strong as an ox and has a motor than runs 24/7. Sam Mathews can play guard or tackle, but may be on his way over to the defensive side, where he began his Tide career.

DEFENSE

The defense, largely the weakness of the last two Tide teams, could end up being its strength this season depending on injury luck. The Tide is not deep, but its starters are as good as just about everyone else in the league, maybe the country. The trick is to keep everyone’s motor running smoothly throughout the season, and to develop continuity among a linebacking corps that might have three new starters.

DEFENSIVE LINE
If you haven’t heard the name Cornelius Griffin, you will. 6-4, 295, with a 500+ pound bench press and a sub-5.0 forty time, Griffin has the attitude of a panther with a cut paw walking on a salt flat. End Kindal Moorehead is just that—the end of most opponents’ hopes. Tackle/end Kenny Smith is versatile, with good strength and an excellent burst. If he can just learn how to stay onsides, he’ll be an all-star. Junior Shawn Draper, once the team’s tight end of the future, has risen meteorically up the depth chart and should replace oft-injured Reggie Grimes in the starting lineup. Depth is rare, but tackle Todd Whitmore had a good spring and Jamie Carter can play when his weight is down. Tackle Kelvis White is immovable in goalline situations, while a handful of signees led by Kenny King and Garry McNealy could get early playing time. The Tide also got commitments from all-everything David Paine, who could use a redshirt season to improve his upper-body strength, and Jarrett Johnson, who could do much of the same.

LINEBACKERS
This unit could be very exciting to watch. Middle linebacker Travis Carroll will likely start the season on the bench, nursing off-season shoulder surgery. That leaves senior Canary Knight and redshirt freshman Marvin Constant, who had a good spring game, as the gatekeepers until Carroll can fully rehab his shoulder. Whoever starts there will be flanked by oncoming star Darius Gilbert on one side and the quick and dangerous Miguel Merritt on the other. Merritt, a converted safety, plays with abandon and has the instincts to recover when out of position. He is also a deft cover man. Gilbert could be the next Dewayne Rudd. Backing up the outside positions will be junior Chris Horne, a vicious hitter who might be fighting academic troubles, and converted tailback Adam Cox, who was everywhere during the spring game. Sophomore Victor Ellis, another converted safety, should see time as well. The name to keep a watch on could be signee Saleem Rasheed, who has the ability to start as a freshman. Rasheed is further along now than was Gilbert last year, and will probably see time behind Merritt.

DEFENSIVE BACKS
The Tide will try to replace outgoing Fernando Bryant with junior college transfer Milo Lewis. Lewis, a long-armed thief with good speed, needs to up his strength before opening day. Across from Lewis is Reggie Myles, the loudmouth sophomore who walks and talks just like Bryant did. Both players are talented and the Tide should be fine. The backups will be speed merchants Kecalf Bailey and Shontua Ray, both of whom are still working on technique. In the middle will be a four-man combination. Strong safeties Marcus Spencer and Phillip Weeks and free safeties Tony Dixon and Jason Jones will all see ample playing time in order to sort out the rotation. Spencer, while not terribly fast, is gaining reputation as a hitter, nearly killing Jay Stubbs in the A-day game. Dixon is a good athlete, but must support the run better this year. Jones can fly, while Weeks has savvy but needs a little more body mass. Walk-on Gary Barnes played a good bit in the spring game and will probably see some time this year. Walk-on cornerback Marcus Slay has moxie, but is tiny. Signees Hirchel Bolden, Gerald Dixon, and Raymond Hudson could all play early. Safeties Charles Jones and Tyler Harris will probably end up redshirting, although Jones reminds many of Kelvin Sigler.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Incumbent placekicker Ryan Pflugner returns, but it is yet to be seen if that is what the Tide really needs. Pflugner was only 50% on field goal tries last year, and had many blocks. Junior A.J. Diaz along with signee Danny Haynes could provide a lot of competition in the fall. Sophomore Mark Wisniewski has leg strength, but doesn’t get the ball up quick enough, which is Pflugner’s biggest problem. As for a punter, Alabama must do the impossible— replace Daniel Pope. Senior Patrick Morgan ppears to have the inside track by a slight margin over redshirt freshman Lane Bearden, who can also play wide receiver. Sophomore Brian Barlow and junior Jason Kellen are also around.

OVERALL
The Tide’s first big test will come against Arkansas on September 25th. If the Tide wins that game, they’ll likely be 4-0 headed into Florida, and the attached confidence could lead to an upset. If Alabama loses to the Hogs, they face Florida, Ole Miss, and Tennessee back-to-back-to-back, and all three of those teams are more than capable of beating the Tide. Could this be the Tide’s year? Possibly. Alabama could pull of an upset of Tennessee or Florida and get ten wins during the regular season. That would signal the official return of Alabama Football to prowess, but the best bet is to enjoy watching this young team grow in 1999 and then watch them turn it loose in 2000.

Projected depth chart for Alabama (without signees)