Alabama Tops Preseason Football Rankings
Matt Hayes - SportingNews.com
Sep 03, 2010
2010 projected record: 11-1 (overall), 7-1 (SEC)
Why we know we're right: Even with TB Mark Ingram's knee injury (he could be out for 2-3 weeks), the Tide is balanced on offense with TB Trent Richardson, an experienced offensive line and quarterback (Greg McElroy) who hasn't lost since high school.
Why we might be wrong: The Tide is replacing nine starters on defense. But Alabama has recruited well under coach Nick Saban, and a majority of the new starters saw significant action last year in back up roles and in situational packages.
Our confidence level in this pick: Shaky. There are plenty of potential problems looming, including a brutal stretch of games where the defense will be tested—twice on the road.
Judgment day: Sept. 25 at Arkansas. This will be the first league road game for the new Tide defense, and the first major test for a revamped secondary that will try to slow down Ryan Mallett.
Coach's job security: Rock solid. All those who laughed and scoffed at Alabama for paying Saban whatever he wanted to leave the NFL now know why.
Grading the positions: QB (B+), RB (A), WR/TE (A), OL (A-), DL (B-), LB (A-), DB (B-), ST (C+).
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