2011 Alabama Football Predictions, Odds, Picks and Schedule – 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide NCAA Football Preview

2011 Alabama Crimson Tide College Football Expert Predictions, Picks, Vegas Odds and Schedule – Alabama NCAA Football Preview: Most schools would be thrilled with a 10-3 season, but for the Alabama Crimson Tide, anything less than a national title is somewhat of a letdown. The expectations are just as high in 2011-12, despite the loss of star wide receiver Julio Jones, starting quarterback Greg McElroy, and former Heisman-winning running back Mark Ingram. Fortunately for Nick Saban’s bunch, nine starters are back for one of the top defenses in the nation, along with four starters on the offensive line for a run-heavy offense.

Last year, the Crimson Tide defense was the best in the SEC in both points (14.1) and yardage (296) surrendered. Alabama also grabbed a conference-leading 21 interceptions. Those totals ranked fifth, sixth and third nationally as well, and the Crimson Tide put up their numbers while playing in the toughest conference in the nation. Defense figures to be the strength of this team once again. Do-it-all safety Mark Barron leads a defense that should be as opportunistic as it is stingy. Based on the talent returning, this unit will be arguably the best in the nation.

With the defense essentially intact, the other important piece to the Alabama puzzle becomes replacing Ingram in the backfield. Saban won’t have to look far for a replacement because the Crimson Tide had one of the top backups in the nation in Trent Richardson the last two years, and he will step into a full-time role this season. Richardson has a little less power and a little more speed to his game than Ingram, but he is an every down back that has proven himself capable of performing against the tough SEC defenses. In fact, he could end up being a Heisman contender.

While Richardson is the clear replacement for Ingram, finding a new quarterback isn’t as clear cut. Sophomore A.J. McCarron and freshman Philip Sims are the two candidates, and both players are pro-style quarterbacks built for Saban’s offense. An extra year of experience will likely give the edge to McCarron, but Sims was rated as one of the top-two QB in his recruiting class. Sims is a little more athletic as well, but the safer option is probably McCarron.

Looking at the schedule, matchups against Arkansas and Florida early in the year are manageable, but the final three games of the season will likely decide Alabama’s fate. The Crimson Tide play LSU at home, followed by Mississippi State and Auburn on the road. Saban and company will be out for revenge in the Iron Bowl after choking away a 24-0 lead against Auburn last season, losing one of the three games down the stretch  

For most programs, losing an experienced starting quarterback can ruin a season – not at Alabama. Saban’s team are all about pounding opponents with the run and playing lockdown defense. He doesn’t ask his QBs to go out and win games. Saban just needs someone to manage the offense and keep turnovers to a minimum. Whether McCarron or Sims or even both see time under center, it won’t change Alabama’s philosophy on offense or defense. It is going to be tough for any team to navigate the SEC unscathed, but even with one loss, the Crimson Tide will be in the mix for a conference title and a BCS Championship.

2011 Alabama Crimson Tide College Football Predictions: 11-1 Record

Preseason 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide NCAA Football Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS Championship: +500
Odds to Win 2011 SEC Champonship: +170
You can BET on these lines or any other College Football Odds and Lines daily at SBG Global Sportsbook(upto 235% in Bonuses!)

2011 Alabama Crimson Tide College Football Schedule
Sat, Sep 3 Kent State 12:20 pm —
Sat, Sep 10 at Penn State 3:30 pm —
Sat, Sep 17 North Texas 7:30 pm —
Sat, Sep 24 Arkansas TBA —
Sat, Oct 1 at Florida TBA —
Sat, Oct 8 Vanderbilt TBA —
Sat, Oct 15 at Mississippi TBA —
Sat, Oct 22 Tennessee TBA —
Sat, Nov 5 LSU TBA —
Sat, Nov 12 at Mississippi State TBA —
Sat, Nov 19 Georgia Southern TBA —
Sat, Nov 26 at Auburn TBA —

Check out NSAwins.com’s official 2011 SEC Football Predictions, Odds and Preview article.

Need Expert Winning College Football Picks? Be sure to check out NSAwins.com’s award-winning College Football Season Picks Packages for expert winners against the vegas spreads and totals in College Football this season including 2011 College Football Picks and Predictions to beat the vegas point spreads and totals!