Season Can't Start Soon Enough for Alabama After Sour Sugar Bowl

Alabama figures another quick start will help erase last year's frustrating finish. More specifically, the final five quarters of the 2008 season.

The Crimson Tide opened with 12 consecutive victories and led Florida by three points heading into the fourth quarter of the SEC title game. However, UF scored 14 points in the final 10 minutes and went on to nab the national title, while blind-sided Alabama never recovered and was buried by Utah in the Sugar Bowl.

There's no need to worry about an identity crisis, however. The Tide made a huge statement against Clemson to kick off last season, and they're hoping to do the same this year against defending ACC and Orange Bowl champion Virginia Tech in Atlanta on Sept. 5.

"I think what a lot of people find out about college football is that you find out about who you are in the first week," Alabama offensive lineman Mike Johnson said during SEC Football Media Days Thursday in Hoover, Ala., "We can only do the best we can between now and then to prepare and be ready. Hopefully, we can put in enough work so that we're in a good position that week."

Alabama head coach Nick Saban embraces the idea of playing a meaty non-conference game every year at a neutral site, and the Crimson Tide get a lot of mileage, i.e., recruiting, out of opening the season on national television. One of the knocks on the SEC has been that its schools don't venture outside the conference enough to play established opponents.

Saban also believes last year's win over Clemson gave his team the confidence to play well -- and win -- SEC road games over Georgia, Tennessee, LSU and Arkansas. Plus, if there's any tinge of a hangover following last year's collapse, the Hokies certainly have the Tide's undivided attention.

"I think it helps your off-season," Saban said. "The players are more intense about what they're doing because they know they're preparing for a huge challenge in the first game."

Alabama faces its own challenges as well.

Saban has stressed the importance of the offensive line's development. The unit must replace Andre Smith, who was suspended for the bowl game, and Antoine Caldwell. JuCo transfer James Carpenter appears to be a solid fill-in at left tackle, while Johnson, the most experienced player on the line, must provide needed leadership. There's also question marks about the passing game and new quarterback Greg McElroy.

"Every question that you ask me about quarterback is going to come right back to this group," Saban said of his offensive line.

"Quarterback is a difficult position to play if you don't have good people around you - and it starts with the offensive line. I think how this group develops will affect, especially early in the season, how our offensive team functions."

The Tide's offense certainly has a shining star in receiver Julio Jones, who will have an expanded role this season. Glen Coffee, last season's leading rusher, left early for the NFL.

"We didn't move him (Jones) around a lot (last year)," Saban said. "I think if we do move him around, it will be a little more difficult for people to double-team him, which is certainly a goal, and he's certainly ready to do that."



Saban said Alabama's touted, experienced defense also faces a big challenge. All-SEC defensive tackle Terrence Cody and linebacker Rolando McClain head a list of nine returning starters from one of the nation's best units from last season. The Crimson Tide held 11 opponents to 21 or fewer points and ranked third in the nation in total defense.

"They can't be satisfied," Saban said.

"You know, it's kind of human nature that, when you're satisfied and you're ranked high in a lot of categories and all that, maybe you don't challenge yourself as much. You get a little complacent; you get a little satisfied. That can't happen. The leadership in our organization, from players and coaches alike, can't allow that to happen, so that we continue to improve and play even better on defense."

The Tide should also benefit from an accommodating schedule. Virginia Tech aside, non-conference games - don't snicker -- include FIU, North Texas and Chattanooga Choo-Choo. While conference road games at Auburn and Ole Miss could determine the West title, Alabama has an off week before it tangles with LSU.

And don't worry. McClain says the Tide doesn't have to be reminded for their disappointing finish last season.

"I don't think we need a coaching staff to tell us anything," McClain said.

"Last year, we won 12 games, but we lost the last two games, so that's not a lot of success. For us a team, we're just hungry, and we want to work to get better. We were disappointed, but this year will be different. Coach Saban is preaching to us, 'Finish, finish, finish' and that's what we're working on doing."