JessN: 2009 PREVIEWS-- Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

[BamaNation]

Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview​

by Jess Nicholas
August 3, 2009

Preseason Depth Chart

While conventional wisdom says the third year of after a coaching change is the year in which to expect championships, Alabama is approaching 2009 cautiously. Heavy losses on the offensive side of the ball coupled with still-shaky special teams and the loss of the heart of the defense (not to mention breaking in a new quarterback in the SEC) could result in a wide range of possibilities for this year’s Crimson Tide. The biggest question mark of them all could be the opener against a Virginia Tech team that plays an SEC-esque defensive scheme. If Alabama can get by the Hokies in the first game, anything’s possible, but this team isn’t likely to have as good a grasp on ball security as did the 2008 unit. Meanwhile, the acquisition of talent on the recruiting trail continues unabated.

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[GulfCoastTider]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

Needs a sticky.

 

[CrimsonEyeshade]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

Typical Jess Nicholas: Detailed, realistic, devoid of homerism . . . and still, 10-2.

Jess makes a deceptively vital point on holding onto the ball: Our QB has thrown a surprisingly high number of interceptions in practice. Will our RBS wrap up?

All that said: we have about five pieces that must fall into place for this to become a special year. And the right people must stay healthy.

 

[Tidetwin]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

Jess's pre-season forecasts let us all know that the season is just around the corner. That and my butterflies. Sheesh

I like his tempered expectations for this team. We have a lot of ifs to worry about and plenty of opportunities for the kids to step up.

So, we need a passer, a healthy runner, a proven blocker or two,a reliable receiver, an intelligent safety and consistent kickers. Seems doable to me. . . what does everyone else think?

 

[TIDE24]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

I have been waiting on this all summer. As usual, very insightful and, I believe, truthful.

My favorite line:

Alabama returns both kickers, but it’s questionable whether that constitutes an advantage or not.

Tickets are "out for delivery"

RTR!!!!!!!!

 

[Saint&Sinner]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

So, we need a passer, a healthy runner, a proven blocker or two,a reliable receiver, an intelligent safety and consistent kickers. Seems doable to me. . . what does everyone else think?

It's 'doable' but the chances of something going wrong are high. It's probably too much to expect another breakout year. 10 and 2 is where I have it at also. It's very, very, nice to get back to the point where a 10 win season is starting to feel like a transition year :biggrin:

 

[Boclive]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

Insightful as always. On the 10-2 prediction with losses to Va. Tech and LSU; I believe you are trading on some pretty thin margins with those two predicted losses and a couple of the predicted wins. It could be 10-2 only the losses might be different; or we break on top of Va. Tech and never look back. If the scenario where GMAC turns it over 18 or 20 times through the air develops... no 10-2 record.

 

[Tidetwin]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

Insightful as always. On the 10-2 prediction with losses to Va. Tech and LSU; I believe you are trading on some pretty thin margins with those two predicted losses and a couple of the predicted wins. It could be 10-2 only the losses might be different; or we break on top of Va. Tech and never look back. If the scenario where GMAC turns it over 18 or 20 times through the air develops... no 10-2 record.

Bo, if recent history is any indication, our coaches will give Greg just enough rope to be successful and not enough to hang himself.

 

[sanjosecrimson]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

Jess,

good breakdown as usual. I do not agree with the two losses to VT and LSU.

if we were to lose, my guess would be to Ole Miss at their place.
that game will be crucial to who wins the West. the last few meetings have
very been very close, too close for comfort. the Rebels will have revenge on their minds for all the close losses to the Tide since 2003. the LSU series have been down to the wire as of late (2005, 07, 08), but I like our chances at home even though the host has not fair well in this series.

IMHO,the VT game will not be that close. Bama will be hungry and the venue in the GA Dome will be the perfect scene for redemption.


btw, is Stinson going to be a factor or a redshirt is in store??


TIA

 

[PalmBayBama]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

How many games do you think 'Bama will win in 2007?

That's a trick question. You see the 2007 and think "that's easy, we won 7 games". But, according to the NCAA, we won 2. But I don't see any votes for 7 or 2.

 

[silentsam74]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

I noticed you have Charlie Higgenbotham in the LB rotation. Has anything changed with his transfer to S Alabama or is it just an oversight? :conf3:

 

[HELENKELLERMRI]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

I didnt notice the 2007 either I was tricked, but for what its worth I voted for 11+.:cool2:

 

[4thGenBamaGrad]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

Curious about the LSU loss.

Could it be that you think Ole Miss is overrated, which then leaves Virginia Tech and LSU as our only games against ranked opponents--both of which you expect us to lose?

If that is the case, I am not faulting that logic, as I also have real concerns about our offensive line, quarterback, and safety play.

10-2 may be a bar that is both hard to go over or under (or, at least, inexcusable to go under).
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[bonehouse81]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

Great analysis, as usual, Jess. Always enjoy your articles.

I hope it happens as much as anyone else, but expecting our offense to be as efficient as last year is certainly expecting too much.

And that opener against Virginia Tech is one heck of a way to break in a new QB and 3 new OL. I think Tech's experience on offense gives them the edge.

 

[GrayTide]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

Super analysis Jess, thanks. I am torn between 9-3 and 10-2 and IMO it all comes down to the OL. It is no secret that the defense will have to carry the offense until the offense builds experience. Va Tech, Ole Miss, and LSU could be losses, just don't have a feel yet for how good Va Tech and Ole Miss are, LSU should be much better than last year.

 

[Alanbama27]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

Jess,

I think you nailed the breakdown of the team except for RB in one regard. We are returning starters at running back because the fact is that (if healthy) both Ingram and Upchurch showed as much as Coffee and dropped the ball considerably less. The issue for both is health but from a returning starter standpoint they both have played enough to be considered as returning starter...especially Ingram.

I also have one issue with the overall record. LSU? Seriously Jess? I'm not going to ever say you're wrong because this is all speculation but I am not sure LSU will finish 3rd in the west much less beat Bama! I would and could understand you jumping on the bandwagon with the national pundits and pick Ole Miss but I am baffled at how LSU comes into the discussion at all for the west, much less beating Bama in Bryant Denny where we are learning how to win pretty effectively (FINALLY)!

 

[mittman]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

Thanks for the breakdown. Let me add my well done to the others.

I agree with VT and LSU both being pontential losses. I went with 9 wins believing that we could lose to VT, one of LSU or Ole Miss, and possibly a sleeper between Arkansas, Kentucky or one of the unthinkables. I am also concerned with interceptions. However, I do believe that we have the potential talent, leadership, coaching, and motivation to win every game. Something I have not believed in a long time, even last year.

 

[KanBama]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

Jess thanks for the great review as always. You are one of the reasons I keep coming back.

 

[TRU]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

My gut feeling is that the Hokies will be tough. Having a new QB and a kicker who is not exactly a cool customer under pressure starting the season against a team whose bread and butter is tough defense and excellent special teams play is daunting. I think that if the Tide gets past Va Tech they will cruise through the regular season at 12-0 or 11-1. And then they will face their second major test - facing Superman and the Gators once again in the SECCG. IMHO, that matchup will constitute the de facto NC game.

 

[numbersman]

Re: 2009 PREVIEWS--Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview

It appears that many are unsure of how the team will do this year. It will be exciting and really no way to tell exactly how it will go. If the O Line is solid, I don't think anyone will slow us down until UF or Ole Miss. Who knows how VT will go since there will be so many questions and so much inexperience. If we keep it simple and move the offense, this game should go our way and move us to the Ole Miss game with so much on the line. I think we have a good leader with McElroy and several on the D. September 5 will be a pretty good yardstick.

RTR