With the beginning of fall practice tomorrow for the University of Alabama, the 2008 football season is officially within reach. Alabama fans all across the nation are getting set for one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory. It has been a very long time since the Tide Nation could look forward to a season with a head coach at the helm who has National Championship experience, a quarterback who has three years of solid play, and an incoming freshmen class that was rated number one in the nation. The season opener against Clemson is quickly approaching, and the stakes are being raised.
As the step is made from the 2007 rebuilding year to now, there are many expectations that are being placed on the Tide. Many prognosticators believe Alabama will experience the same medial success that they have had over the past few years. However, those closer to the program and situation realize that the Tide is rising, and can only wait to see it happen. As a part of the first article for the 2008 season on thecrimsonpride.net, we’ll take a look at the Crimson Tide’s upcoming fall practice storylines, their incoming impact players, and make a prediction for the season opener against Clemson.
The Tide begin fall practice with many question marks on their depth chart. Earlier today, Coach Nick Saban revealed that Prince Hall is back with the team and will sit out the first three games of the season with a suspension. Likewise, Saban indicated that Jermaine Preyear would not be able to join the team until January due to a shoulder injury. These are only the beginning headlines in a promising upcoming fall camp. Stay tuned to thecrimsonpride.net for more coverage throught the sesason.
With the announcement that Prince Hall is returning, the questions marks increase for the list of touted freshmen coming to the Capstone this fall. The Crimson Tide signed the best recruiting class in the nation in February, and these are bringing a brand new vibe to campus. Julio Jones is the first name that comes to mind when speaking of players-to-watch. Jones is a sure shot for playing time this year, and could break the starting lineup at somepoint. Another future star is Jerrell Harris, who is already turning heads on campus. The linebacker is physically larger than many seasoned veterans, and is already starting the fall camp on the outside. Harris has a great chance to gain playing time, and will surely add a spark to the Tide defense this fall. Finally, Mark Ingram is likely to turn heads during the fall practice and during the 2008 season. Ingram was one of the Tide’s most touted recruits coming out of high school (Flint, Michigan), and his potential is promising. These players will surely be known by the time fall practice ends, but there will inevitiably be other freshmen to stand out.
As the Tide hit the practice field to get ready for the upcoming season, predicitons are already being handed out. Many analysts and magazines have Alabama finishing at 7-5 or 8-4. However, with a team this talented, anything can happen. First things first though, Clemson. On August 31st the Tide will open their 2008 season in the Georgia Dome in what is sure to be a hard-fought battle. The Tigers are highly talented and are coming off a great season. With running backs like Davis and Spiller, the Tigers are going to hit the ground running on the 31st, and they don’t plan to look back. The Tide, however, plan on not allowing this to happen. With the addition of Jim McElwain as offensive coordinator in the off-season, the Crimson Tide plan to add a little spice to their sometimes stagnant offense from last season. The impact of Alabama’s freshmen class will be evident on defense, and the Tide will hope to slam the door shut on Clemson’s high-powered ACC offense.
Final Score Prediction: Clemson - 24 Alabama- 28
Stay tuned to thecrimsonpride.net for more coverage throught the sesason.
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