2009 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Preview

2009 ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE FOOTBALL PREVIEW

The Alabama Crimson Tide are coming off a fine 2008 campaign in which the team showed tremendous balance and depth, both of which led the team to a BCS berth. The team managed a 12-2 record overall, and a perfect 8-0 record in the Southeastern Conference. However, the 2008 season did end on a sour note, as the team fell 31-17 in its Sugar Bowl appearance to Utah.

The Alabama defense is going to be the single most important and valuable unit for Crimson Tide football in 2009, as it returns a number of significant contributors from the 2008 squad. LB Rolando McClain is one of the key cogs returning to the Crimson Tide defense in 2009. He amassed 95 tackles over the course of the 2008 campaign. DE Brandon Deaderick is also going to be expected to step up his game play in 2009. He managed 4.0 sacks in 2008, but it is hoped that this number will grow in 2009.

In addition to McClain, the Crimson Tide also return a number of other linebackers that are expected to bolster a corps that is widely considered to be one of the top in the SEC. Dont’a Hightower, Brandon Fanney, and Cory Reamer are key components of that unit. The Crimson Tide also return a deep secondary, featuring safety Justin Woodall, considered by many to be the leader of the team’s defensive backfield, as well as cornerbacks Javier Arenas and Kareem Jackson.

Alabama Football Warmup

Alabama Football Warmup Thanks to mrsbalentin at flickr.com for the picture

The team may find itself struggling somewhat offensively in 2009. One of the most significant developments that the offense will need to overcome and compensate for is the loss of quarterback John Parker Wilson. His departure means that the solid, steady signal-calling is also gone, and now, the Crimson Tide turns their hopes and fortunes to junior quarterback Greg McElroy.

McElroy does not have a lot of real time game play behind him, but he is still widely regarded to be an intelligent player who can more than capably lead the team on the offensive end. It will be interesting to see how quickly McElroy is able to develop relationships with his wide receiving corps, including 2008’s leading WR, Julio Jones. Also key to the development of McElroy, and the advancement of the offense in general, is the success of the team’s running game, led primarily by Mark Ingram.

Bryant-Denny Stadium

Bryant-Denny Stadium Thanks to mrsbalentin at flickr.com for the picture

In addition to its typically strong SEC schedule, the Crimson Tide has a strong, although not overwhelmingly difficult, non-conference schedule. The season opens with a difficult non-conference game in which the Crimson Tide face off vs. Virginia Tech in a game played in Atlanta. However, aside from that game, the remainder of the non-conference schedule is somewhat meager, featuring matchups vs. Florida International, North Texas, and Chattanooga.

That said, despite a difficult schedule, and some questions on the offensive side of the ball, the Crimson Tide should once again be one of the best 2 teams in the Southeastern Conference, however, a perfect regular season record will be a tough feat to repeat.

If you are looking for our 2008 Alabama Football page, check out 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide football.

Other Alabama Crimson Tide Football Pages

SEC Football Predictions -- Free weekly picks of all SEC games

2007 Alabama Football

Alabama Crimson Tide Football History

Nick Saban Biography

Bear Bryant Biography

All-Time Best SEC Football College

Best All-Time NCAA College Football Program

Best All-Time SEC Football Team

Best All-Time NCAA College Football Team

Best All-Time SEC Football Coach

Best All-Time NCAA College Football Coach

Best All-Time SEC Football Player -- (Joe Namath ranked 4th)

Best All-Time SEC Football Rivalry Games

Biggest All-Time College Football Rivalry

Best SEC Football Stadium

SEC Football Traditions

Biggest All-Time SEC Football Victory

Alabama Football Tailgate Party Trailer

University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Trip

Alabama Crimson Tide Apparel

Alabama Crimson Tide Merchandise

Alabama Crimson Tide Tailgate Party Shop

Alabama Crimson Tide Fathead

Alabama Fan Store

2009 SEC Football Tickets

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What Other Visitors Have Said

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Have We Already Seen High Tide?
They dominated their first game of the season. Clemson was left wondering if their National Championship hopes were finished when the game was over (which ...

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Does anyone have info about where the Bama fans get together in Jacksonville, Florida?

7 in a row..
you can throw all games out the window when it comes to the Iron Bowl. I think Auburn can very well go for 7 straight in a row.. and hope to see it happen....

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I dont want to call you out but going to the Orange Bowl in 1999 was just as big as the Sugar Bowl this year. Both are BCS Bowls. I love Alabama and just ...

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The top off-season story in the SEC may have been Bobby Petrino arriving in Arkansas. Around this time last year another former NFL coach was returning ...

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This year, the Chick-fil-a Bowl staff hopes to start a tradition in Atlanta by ...

alabama football..is the best Not rated yet
like i love u guys..i think nick saban is a great coach...and john paker wilson is so hott.. and good quaterback..lol..but all ur other guys are good to....

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