Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama Crimson Tide After surprising everyone in the college football world, except themselves, in 2008, Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide hope to keep their success rolling in 2009 and compete for a national title.

The USA Today preseason coaches' poll has been released and the Crimson Tide is ranked fifth in the nation. Even with a number five ranking, odds makers are giving them about 17/1 odds to win a BCS Championship, largely because they will have to go through the number one ranked Florida Gators to do so.

At those odds, Sabin's bunch appears to be a solid value, especially considering that the defense returns nine starters and the linebacker corps should be one of the nation's best in 2009.

Alabama was an impressive 12-2 overall a season ago and tore through
their SEC schedule. They sat at 8-0 in the conference until they lost to Florida in the SEC Championship game.

The Crimson Tide did lose a lot of talent from last year's team, as John Parker Wilson, Glenn Coffee, Andre Smith and Rashad Johnson all entered the NFL draft. However, do have some key pieces returning, including running back Mark Ingram, wide receiver Julio Jones, safety Justin Woodall, linebacker Rolando McClain and defensive end Brandon Deaderick.

Alabama's defense should be strong enough to carry the Crimson Tide through the early part of the season, while the offense tries to get in a grove. If their offense comes around, they will give Florida a run for their money in the SEC. After that, anything can happen.

I like Alabama at the 17/1 odds, they are one of the best bargains on the board.