2010 Alabama Review

You really can’t complain about this year’s Alabama Crimson Tide. They rolled their way to a perfect 14-0 season. They waltzed through Southeastern Conference play with only one serious challenge. They seemed to be in control throughout and won the school’s 13th National Championship in football with relative ease. In no way, shape, or form can you not declare this season a success. Even for a program as storied as Alabama, there was a first on the football field. Sophomore running back Mark Ingram became the school’s first ever Heisman Trophy winner in the closest vote of the 75 year history of the award. It was quite an accomplishment for the young man, and as a sophomore he will get to return next season as Alabama will try to defend its title. Ingram will also try to become just the second person in college football history to win two Heisman Trophies, joining Archie Griffin who accomplished the feat in the mid-70’s. Griffin also did it in an era when freshmen were ineligible to compete and sophomores winning the award were unheard of. That makes Ingram’s accomplishments even more impressive. Statistically, Ingram’s numbers were not as good as runner up Toby Gerhart of Stanford, but Ingram had a more profound impact on the season by playing for the champs.

3 Good Sites to Buy Alabama Crimson Tide Gameday Tickets

The real question about Alabama heading into 2010 is how will they defend their title? Obviously, the return of a player like Ingram is a key factor, but they must replace Greg McElroy at quarterback. McElroy didn’t put up huge numbers at the position, but he was a steadying force that always kept his poise and did not make mistakes. He knew that he had Ingram behind him to generate offense and that Alabama’s dynamic defense would hold opponents down. That mean McElroy could operate without much fear. A trusty and talented wide receiver like Julio Jones also helped matters. McElroy will graduate now and Jones is likely off as an early entrant into the 2010 NFL draft, so those are key offensive player that Alabama must replace. Defensive Tackle Terrance Cody, who was the heart and soul of the Alabama defense, will take his fierce pass rushing skills to the NFL as well. Not to be underrated, but losing senior kicker Leigh Tiffin, whow as close to automatic, is not a positive either.

Then there is the schedule. By playing in the Southeastern Conference, it will never be an easy one. Opponents like Florida, LSU, and Tennessee will always be ready to knock off the Tide. In fact, Tennessee, who did not have a stellar record in 2009, came the closest to knocking off Alabama. If not for two blocked field goals by Terrance Cody, including one as time expired, the Tide would not have had its close 12-10 win over the Volunteers. Fortunately, Alabama has one of the best recruiters in the country in head coach Nick Saban. Saban has been building this team for this moment, so the top notch recruits are already in place and ready to replace the departing stars.

Writer and editor, Freddie Brister, is a former high school football coach of 25 years. His love of the game of football is reflected in his words and memories of growing up in the South and playing football in the back yard with his brother, cousins and neighborhood friends. His biggest thrill is watching former high school players he has coached play at the college level. His favorite pastime is watching college football on tv and attending the games in person every chance he gets. Freddie Brister is a huge fan of the SEC and the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Check out his Atlanta Braves Blankets

Short URL: http://www.channelhuntsville.com/?p=2679

Posted by real2channelh on Feb 25 2010. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry