Everyone agrees that coach Nick Saban, offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart are strong. But what other Alabama coaches deserve praise?
rbr opNo true newcomers are in the competition for the most important position on the field, and therefore the position of most interest. Five men received what Saban said was relatively equal work in the spring, did the same in the voluntary workouts in the summer, and will start out fall camp with that opportunity. They are in order of class seniority senior Jacob Coker, junior Alec Morris, sophomore Cooper Bateman, redshirt freshman David Cornwell, and true freshman Blake Barnett.
Blake Barnett has been invited for the evening drills on Thursday. Saban says don't read too much into that, but, I'm totally going to Gump all over that.
Best: 14-1. Despite a potential hiccup along the way, there is definitely enough talent for Alabama to claim another National Championship. Worst: 10-3. If the bumps in the road arrive early (Wisconsin or Georgia), and the Tide doesn’t handle it well, this could easily be a repeat of 2010.
rbr opI think that seems about right, maybe 10-2, which still may lead the league. The schedule is the toughest in the nation, with the trips to Aggieland, Athens and Auburn seeming to loom the largest. Still, I think Alabama is more talented than any of them. Alabama needs to hold serve at home against a tough slate (OM, LSU, Arkansas & UT,) and take at least two out of three on the road. Provided that the QB and secondary can gel, a big season could happen.
Cincinnati conducted their third practice of training camp and it was a day of frightened souls and overzealous praying. Michael Johnson suffered a knee injury and even Wallace Gilberry sat out of practice late. Both will be fine.