It’s August, meaning enthusiasm is high in coaching meetings, on the practice fields and in the work place. Preseason polls tend to offer an early glimmer of hope. It means the pundits are talking about your team. Who will they be talking about in Jacksonville in January? 1. Alabama Reason for hope: As usual, the talent level is through-the-roof on both sides of the ball, which should ease concerns about having a new starter at quarterback. The receiving corps goes a legitimate nine deep and once again the Tide boasts a bruising tailback in 6-foot-2, 230-pound Bo Scarbrough. Reason to mope: This marked the third straight year Alabama didn’t have a quarterback win the starting job during the spring. Also, depth is an issue at a few positions, most notably running back and cornerback. Reason for hope: Eighteen starters return, including 6-1, 230-pound running back Leonard Fournette. Nine of the returning starters are on the defense, which will be guided by new coordinator David Aranda — who worked wonders at Wisconsin. Reason to mope: Quarterback Brandon Harris, a returning starter, flashed just enough inconsistency last season to make you wonder. And there is plenty of pressure. The fan base expects…
Continue Reading: Steven M. Sipple's preseason Top 25
