2008 record: 12-2, 8-0 (1st in SEC West)
2008 bowl: Lost to Utah 31-17 in Sugar
2008 final AP/coaches' ranking: 6/6
Coach: Nick Saban (19-8, 3rd year; 105-50-1 overall, 13 years)  
Offensive coordinator: Jim McElwain (2nd year)
Defensive coordinator: Kirby Smart (3rd year)
Returning offensive starters: 4
Returning defensive starters: 9
Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala.  
Stadium: Bryant-Denny Stadium (grass; 92,138)
Last league title: 1999
2009 schedule: [view]
2009 roster: [view]
2008 statistics: [view]

Offensive: Junior quarterback Greg McElroy solidified his hold on the position during spring practice, giving Alabama a nice security blanket after the departure of John Parker Wilson. McElroy has some weapons at his disposal. There’s electrifying sophomore wide receiver Julio Jones (58 catches, 924 yards), one of the most physical players at his position. There’s reliable sophomore running back Mark Ingram, who might be keeping the seat warm for true freshman Trent Richardson, probably the best running-back prospect out of Pensacola (Fla.) Escambia High since Emmitt Smith. On the offensive line, Alabama seemingly lost the prototypical left tackle in Andre Smith, the Outland Trophy winner. But the position is expected to be filled by standout junior-college transfer James Carpenter, if he isn’t beaten out by true freshman D.J. Fluker (6-foot-7, 340 pounds), who has scary potential.

Defensive: Alabama is on the short list for the nation’s best defense. Nine starters return from a unit that was second nationally in rush defense (74.1 yards per game) and third in total defense (263.5). Senior nose tackle Terrence Cody has trimmed down (OK, he’s still 354 pounds), potentially making him even more of a nightmare in Alabama’s 3-4. Inside linebackers Rolando McClain, a junior, and Dont’a Hightower, a sophomore, are supreme run-stuffers. In the secondary, the cornerbacks (senior Javier Arenas and junior Kareem Jackson) are ball-hawks. Scoring — let alone just moving the ball — will be a chore against the Crimson Tide.   

Specialists: One of Alabama’s strongest points. Arenas, a fearless return man on kickoffs and punts, has star quality. Senior Leigh Tiffin made 20 of 29 field-goal attempts. Senior P.J. Fitzgerald averaged 41.1 yards per punt.

Coaching: In two seasons, Nick Saban has lifted Alabama back into familiar status as an SEC powerhouse and national-title contender. There haven’t been any short-cuts. Recruiting has improved drastically. Fundamentals have been emphasized, along with the process of improvement. The little things have paid off in a big way.

Heisman Hopefuls: Jones, although just a sophomore, has the kind of game-changing aura that could catapult him into the Heisman race.

Game of the year Oct. 10 at Mississippi Key early road test for Alabama. Mississippi, coming off last season’s Cotton Bowl victory, has designs on winning the SEC West. If Alabama can claim a victory in Oxford, it would do wonders for the Crimson Tide’s confidence.

Overview: The Crimson Tide hasn’t had many feel-good moments since late November and a 12-0 regular season, after losing the SEC Championship Game, falling to Utah at the Sugar Bowl, then enduring NCAA sanctions. But this is a program on the upswing. The recruiting has been excellent. Alabama is Alabama again. Unlike last season, though, the Crimson Tide won’t sneak up on anyone. Repeating as SEC West champions will be a dogfight, considering the presence of LSU and Mississippi, but Alabama has regained the look of a perennial title contender.

Next up: No. 7 Georgia Tech

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