Tide Tidbits – May 23, 2009

Why 2009 Could Be Alabama’s Year
Coming into 2009, Alabama has high expectations, and they should. Bama has most of its players returning from last year—including sophomore wide receiver Julio Jones, running back Mark Ingram, and hopefully a healthy Roy Upchurch and most of its defensive starters are returning. Yes, they do have to replace All-American Andre Smith on the offensive line, All-SEC performer Rashad Johnson at free safety, and John Parker Wilson at quarterback, but if they can do that it, this could the year.

Early summer top 10
You may be wondering, who’s going to win it all this year, DC? He-he-Eaaasy now … Our official preseason top 10 won’t be unveiled until August. Until then, here’s the Memorial Day Weekend top 10. 7. Alabama The best coach in the nation, Nick Saban, is back for his third year at the helm of the Crimson Tide program, and you know what that means. Trouble for the SEC. Sophomore wideout Julio Jones is a beast-child of the highest order.

Ole Miss and Alabama Won’t Surprise Anyone This Year
This time last year many thought LSU and Auburn would battle for the SEC Western Division Championship. Alabama was a very dark horse and Ole Miss was was an afterthought at best. What a difference a year makes. This year many have picked Ole Miss to win the West and battle Alabama for that crown. Both had breakout years last year and showed what they were capable of doing. With each teams returning the bulk of those teams this year, it is easy to see why much is expected of these teams this year. However this year neither team will be taken lightly as they were for much of last year. They won’t be sneaking up on anyone this season, in fact, everybody on their schedule knows they better bring their A game or lose.

Kiffin has UT in spotlight
It was interesting to note the same day the nation’s newspaper, USA Today, ran a story on Tennessee’s controversial new coach Lane Kiffin, the school had to issue a statement to cover yet another mistake Kiffin’s staff made in abiding by NCAA recruiting rules. Kffin told the national newspaper that his snipes at fellow SEC coaches were calculated and that he had to do something to get national attention back on the program. Don’t know if this is what he had in mind, but regardless, mission accomplished.

Life after Trent
It may take a little time for Escambia High football fans to get used to not seeing Trent Richardson in the backfield. While Richardson may be headed to Alabama, the Gators’ running game might not have left with him. Marheem Smith will do his best to at least ease the transition along.

Roll Tide!

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