Crimson Red Sports

"his article is dedicated to those that have worked hard to create lively debates on college football long after the season has ended.

Why not Alabama? This question has been posed on several occasions during the offseason. It has usually followed a prediction that LSU, Arkansas or Auburn would win the SEC West in 2011. This article is devoted to that subject in its entirety.

Alabama does not have the best talent or players at any position, but they do have exceptional talent and players at all positions. Alabama has the talent to operate their overall scheme and stay in any game they play. They will even win most of them."

More here from BR (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/571404-why-alabama-might-not-return-to-atlanta-any-time-soon)

I don't guess any of that would have to do with playing tougher opponents as the year progresses.

That article fails on many levels...

I had a prearranged mindset going in to that article:  BS.  But he does make viable points.  The main one is that every SEC coach now has altered their entire coaching philosophies to beat Saban's defensive schemes.  

Which speaks volumes for Saban's defensive-minded genius, inasmuch as they brought in unorthodox offensive/defensive coordinators to counter his schemes.  Quite a tribute, I'd say!

Regardless, the author fails to give credit to Saban for not looking ahead and having the foresight to understand what other teams are attempting to do and to counter their counters (well, you get my drift).

It's similar to when Emory Bellard developed the wishbone.  Unstoppable, as it had never been seen, much less defended against.  So what happened?  You couldn't defend it, so everyone (or many did) converted their offense to the 'bone.

Saban will make adjustments.  

The OL will be much improved, and just in time, considering we'll break in a new QB. He will be asked to "manage" the game, as JPW and GMac did. A speedy WR corp will spread things downfield. Our RBs will be explosive, with EL improving the way BATR did from his freshman to sophomore year.

The defense should be scary for opponents. Toss in some leadership and this "D" has the potential of being one of the best--ever.

How could we be picked, with Oklahoma, as preseason #1 or #2, but not picked to win the SECw? I'll tell you. BLEACHER REPORT

BamaWV you hit the nail on the head. I certainly hope we are not ranked very high starting the year. When we come from the back to the front it scares people when we are ranked up front they just get meaner at us. RTR!

I agree Ricky. I HOPE we aren't ranked higher than 5 or 6. We already have a target on our backs and being number 1 just makes it worse. Let us work up to it.. like after about 5 or so games. Our defense is going to rock the worlds of lsu, aub and tenn. And I can't wait to watch it.

I would hate to face our defense myself and I am a fan. We are going to be powerful if our CB's do their job the game is over in my opinion. I do however not want the players reading this post because I don't want them thinking what I do. RTR!