1 Alabama
Showdown in the Bayou on Nov. 3; after that, another storied chapter in 'Bama history
Key Recruit
T.J. YELDON The freshman running back was the star of the spring game. The early enrollee gained 179 total yards while displaying breakaway speed and toughness between the tackles. The 6'2", 210-pound Yeldon will see plenty of action as Lacy's backup.
Breakout Player
KENNY BELL When the Tide wideout caught a 47-yard touchdown pass from McCarron in the spring game, it was a preview of things to come. The 6'1", 175-pound Bell, who caught 17 passes for 255 yards and two TDs as a sophomore, is the Tide's most explosive deep threat.
The Skinny
AFTER HAVING three defensive starters from the national championship team selected in the first round of April's NFL draft, the Tide's biggest strength is now its offensive line. Led by reigning Outland Trophy winner Barrett Jones (who is moving from left tackle to center), tackle D.J. Fluker and guard Chance Warmack, 'Bama's Big Uglies have the potential to be the nation's most dominating front wall. The staple of the offense remains the power running game and tailback Eddie Lacy, but new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier plans to call more mid- and long-range passes for quarterback AJ McCarron, who showed improved arm strength in the spring after off-season surgery on his right shoulder to repair a torn labrum.
Final Analysis
THOUGH POPULATED with former four- and five-star recruits, the young 'Bama D could struggle early while learning Nick Saban's complex scheme. That's crucial because the Tide has two early tests: Michigan in Arlington, Texas, on Sept. 1 and a trip to Arkansas on Sept. 15. Fortunately McCarron usually performs at his best when it matters most (see last year's BCS title game). Expect more of the same, perhaps even a little bit better, when Alabama visits LSU on Nov. 3. Expect, too, 'Bama to become the first team since Nebraska, in 1997, to win three national titles in a four-year span.
THE VITALS
Coach Nick Saban (6th year)
51--12 (34--9 SEC)
2011 Record 12--1 (8--1, 2nd in SEC West)
Final AP Rank 1
Returning Starters Offense 7, Defense 4
2011 STATS
Total Offense (FBS Rank) 429.6 YPG (31)
Rushing Offense 214.5 YPG (16)
Passing Offense 215.2 YPG (69)
Total Defense 183.6 YPG (1)
Rushing Defense 72.2 YPG (1)
Passing Defense 111.5 YPG (1)
TELLING NUMBER 25
Years since a team led the nation in all four major defensive categories (total yards, rushing, passing and scoring) before Alabama did it last year.
TOP PLAYERS
Offense
QB AJ McCarron
Jr. 6'4", 210 pounds
2,634 YDs, 16 TDs
RB Eddie Lacy
Sr. 6'0", 220 pounds
694 YDs, 7.1 AVG
TE Michael Williams
Sr. 6'6", 269 pounds
16 RECs, 2 TDs
Defense
LB C.J. Mosley
Jr. 6'2", 232 pounds
37 tackles, 2 sacks
SS Robert Lester
Sr. 6'2", 210 pounds
39 tackles, 2 INTs
NT Jesse Williams
Sr. 6'4", 320 pounds
24 tackles
Special Teams
PK Cade Foster
Jr. 6'1", 218 pounds
2/9 FGs, 46 longest
PHOTO
DAMIAN STROHMEYER (MOSLEY)
A Tidal wave of four- and five-star recruits will join C.J. Mosley to bolster yet another dominant defense.
PHOTO
DAMIAN STROHMEYER (BELL)
PHOTO
AL TIELEMANS (MCCARRON)
McCarron completed 66.8% of his throws in a ball-control offense last year, but in 2012 he'll be looking long more often.