2009 Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Recap

Online betting specialists knew that a union of Alabama's tradition, facilities, and intensity with Mr. Intensity himself, Nick Saban, would ultimately result in the program being restored to elite status in the college football world. After an undefeated regular season in 2008, a disappointing loss to eventual national champion Florida in the SEC Championship Game kept the Tide from reaching their goal of a national title in Saban's second season at the helm.

The memory of that loss stuck with Alabama throughout the 2009 season and served as constant motivation for the Tide to be tough and finish. The Tide was at times an unstoppable force, other times the immovable object. As is the case with all championship teams, they also benefitted from the requisite amount of luck needed to go all the way. They opened the season by rolling up almost 500 yards of offense against then- No. 7 Virginia Tech in a 34-24 win in Atlanta. At 7-0 and ranked No. 1 for the first time in 2009, the Tide escaped with a tough 12-10 win over rival Tennessee by blocking a go-ahead field goal attempt as time expired. They came back from an early deficit to beat Auburn on the road, 26-21, and earn their coveted rematch in Atlanta with top-ranked Florida.

With a year's worth of seething to draw from, the Tide again mustered almost 500 yards of offense and beat Florida 32-13 to win the SEC title and earn a shot at the BCS title against Texas. With a month to prepare for Texas, and with Longhorn quarterback Colt McCoy being knocked from the game early, the Tide outmuscled Texas behind the rushing of Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and equally talented backup Trent Richardson. Alabama contained the Horns' offense and made big plays down the stretch to win the BCS title, 37-21. NCAA football betting students and fans likely knew the titles would come for Saban and Alabama, even if they didn't think they'd come so quickly.

2010 Preview To Bet Alabama Crimson Tide

Sports betting experts loved Alabama's defense in 2009, but with nine starters gone from that defense, they'll love the offense in 2010. The incredibly talented running back duo of Ingram and Richardson returns, along with quarterback Greg McElroy, dangerous wide receivers Julio Jones and Darius Hanks, and three starters along the offensive line. Look for the Tide to maintain the physical, ball-control style that relies heavily on the running game and play action passing.

The Tide return just two starters from the nation's best defense, but there is talent as far as the eye can see. Alabama is one of the few programs that truly reloads, and while they might not be as dominant as the 2009 edition, the 2010 Tide will still be formidable. Back from injury is physical specimen Dont'a Hightower at linebacker. Several highly rated recruits stepping into starting roles will be counted on such as cornerbacks B.J. Scott and Dre Kirkpatrick.

The schedule is challenging but certainly not impossible. A week two matchup with Penn State will reveal much about the Tide early. They also get Florida and Auburn at home. Road trips to Duke, Arkansas, Tennessee and LSU will be tough but manageable, making the Tide the likely preseason No. 1 team and the favorite to win the SEC.