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The Tide Rolls Confidently in 2011

Assessing any team takes a great deal in to consideration concerning the defense. The defense can hold an opponent scoreless allowing that licking guy a chip shot for a three-pointer to win the game. Or, the defense can score on their own, winning the game. When it comes to a hard look at Alabama’s defense, it is impossible to ignore nine starters returning for the 2011 season.

Whoever the quarterback turns out to be will probably not really matter. The job requirement will be to hand the ball off, get out of the way and not make any of those stupid mistakes notorious for losing games. Since the question of a quarterback basically hits the fan base, it does have an impact upon morale.

The competition comes down to A.J. McCarron or Philip Simms. McCarron saw limited action in 2010 throwing for just 389 yards with three scoring tosses. Simms was redshirted. McCarron did go 6-for-6 in the Tide’s Capital One Bowl victory against Michigan State. Although it might look like on the surface McCarron has the nod, booth QBs were close in their spring performance workouts.

Although either choice for QB has little experience it may not matter. That job requirement mentioned earlier will put the ball in the hands of star junior running back Trent Richardson who will be protected by one of the best offensive lines in college football.

Expect Alabama to represent the SEC West at 12-0 (or 10-2, at worst) in the 2011 season.