Alabama Crimson Tide

Review/Outlook

To say that Alabama struggled during the 2000 season would be the major understatement of the college football world. In September, they came in ranked #3 in the nation and fresh off the SECCampionship. But losses in 3 of their first 4 game and their last 5 sent the Tide home for the holidays ... and, at 3-8 won them the honor of being the only SEC West team not to earn a bowl bid.

The good news after a season like that is that things have to get better in 2001. And the Tide have taken big steps toward turning the program around. Coach Mike Dubose, embattled in that position basically since taking the job in 1997, was fired prior to the end of the season. Taking the reigns next season is former Texas Christian University head coach Dennis Franchione, who compiled a 25-10 record and 2 bowl wins in 3 complete seasons at TCU.

However, things go deeper for Alabama than a simple coaching change. Many believe a good deal of their struggles were the result of an unstable quarterback situation. This situation is not going to improve much. Junior Tyler Watts and Senior Andrew Zow will compete again for the starting role. Both saw significant playing time in 2000 with Zow backing up Watts most of the season. Zow became the starter after Watts suffered torn ligaments against Ole Miss on October 14. Zow was 120 of 249 (48.2%) for 1561 yards, 6 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Watts went 31-56 (55.4%) for 303 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

Complicating the matter is the addition of Brodie Croyle out of Rainbow City, Alabama. Croyle joins the Tide as the nation's #1 rated high-school quarterback. With Croyle, Watts, and Zow duking it out for the starting job, it should be a very interesting spring and early fall under center in Tuscaloosa.

Perhaps more of Bama's struggles are rooted in the simple fact that the team missed tailback Shaun Alexander more than forecasters believed they would. Alabama's top two runners (Ahmaad Galloway, 695 yards and Brandon Miree, 445 yards) could not meet the 1481 yards put up by Alexander in 1999. Add to that the loss of offensive lineman Chris Samuels, the NFL's #3 pick in the 2000 draft, and you should be able to see where the Tide running game would lose a hug step. On the bright side, both of the top runners return in 2001, Galloway as a junior, Miree as a sophomore.

The offensive line at Alabama will need some tweaking this year. Gone are starters Paul Hogan, Will Cuthbert, and Griff Redmill.

Shuffling players into the system will not be the only problem Franchione has to face as he takes over. The program is currently under investigation by the NCAA, FBI, SEC, and the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association regarding the recruitment of former player Albert Means (DT) and current players Michael Gaines and Harold James Jr. The head coach of Trezevant High School in Means' hometown of Memphis, allegedly received a sum of $200,000.00 to steer him toward signing with the Tide. Mean's has withdrawn from Alabama and transferred to Memphis.

Keys For 2001:

• Must weather the storm coming from the NCAA
• Should have a starting quarterback well before September 1
• Develop the running game to lighten the load on the quarterback
• Find a playmaker (Freddie Millons, where are you?)

2001 Season Prediction

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