Thoughts to Ponder

5 Thoughts to Ponder at the completion of 'Bama's Spring Football Practices:

1. Is Saban a year ahead of himself? - Recent Alabama football history dictates that a head coach’s third season at the Capstone will be his breakthrough year.

2. The 10-game jinx - In the same vein as the year three/year four coaching paradox, Alabama hasn’t pulled off back-to-back 10+ win seasons since 1991-1992. Here are the numbers:

•1992: 13-0 / 1993: 9-3-1
•1994: 12-1 / 1995: 8-3
•1996: 10-3 / 1997: 4-7
•1999: 10-3 / 2000: 3-8
•2005: 10-2 / 2006: 6-7
•2008: 12-2 / 2009: ???

3. Life after Andre Smith? - In the two games that celebrated left tackle Andre Smith missed last season, Alabama struggled mightily.

4. The rise of the SEC West - This season figures to see each of Alabama’s five SEC West counterparts in better shape than last season. The question is, has Alabama improved enough to meet their challenge?

5. An inexperienced quarterback - Can Alabama adjust to the loss of John Parker Wilson in time for it’s high-profile opener with Virginia Tech in 136 days? The odds are against it.

I think if 'Bama's Defense can rise to the challenge and keep us in the first 2 or 3 games - Look Out! Roll Tide Roll !!

2009 Alabama Spring Football Preview: Five Bad Things