[Bamabeachlivin]

We're well into the season for annual preseason football polls, giving an idea where experts think Alabama's team will rank during the 2008 season. It's not easy to project the Tide this season.
Alabama can be expected to lean heavily on incoming freshman, particularly on a depth-challenged defense.
Yet there seems to be a consensus about this Tide: Good, not great.

Rivals ranked Alabama No. 29 in its national preseason countdown.
The site offers the following overall observation: "Saban has done a great job on the recruiting trail, but this team still seems a year or two away from challenging for a BCS berth. We could change our minds if Wilson has a breakthrough season and the Tide finds an elite receiver and pass rusher. However, Alabama currently doesn't look quite as talented on paper as LSU or Auburn. But the Tide also doesn't look like a team that will have to settle for another Independence Bowl bid. We're guessing Alabama beats at least one of the four potential preseason top-10 teams on their schedule (Clemson, Georgia, LSU and Auburn) on the way to an 8-5 finish that includes an appearance in the Cotton, Chick-fil-A or Music City bowls."
How about the others?
Here's your overview:
Lindys: 20
Sporting News: 23
Phil Steele: 26
Athlon: 30
Anyone seeing a trend here?
Story

[Stoney]

Yes they are ALL expecting the team to be like it was last season they don not believe that the freshmen will have that big of an impact. Of course it will be a total shocker for them when on August 30th that the Crimson Tide tears up the #7 ranked Clemson Tigers on National TV. Saban just has to keep the Tide focused on doing the little things right.

[Bamabeachlivin]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Yes they are ALL expecting the team to be like it was last season they don not believe that the freshmen will have that big of an impact. Of course it will be a total shocker for them when on August 30th that the Crimson Tide tears up the #7 ranked Clemson Tigers on National TV. Saban just has to keep the Tide focused on doing the little things right.

You know I don't think this team will be like last years team, they will be better but not 14 -0 better just like the article next year or two they will be in the hunt for the BCS. Most Bama fans I hope are not expecting a BCS Championship this year. SEC Title is possible with a great chance to win the West Division. All I can say is I look for steady progress just as Saban does at least he is smart enough to know it takes time to build a championship team and to get all the pieces in place.

[Stoney]

Tuck this season is all going to depend on injuries. If Alabama avoids the injury bug and lady luck smiles on us just a bit 14-0 is not impossible. We were not that great last season but nobody blew us out. Now we have more depth and team speed and a bit of swagger knowing we can hold our own against the big boys.

[Bamabeachlivin]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Tuck this season is all going to depend on injuries. If Alabama avoids the injury bug and lady luck smiles on us just a bit 14-0 is not impossible. We were not that great last season but nobody blew us out. Now we have more depth and team speed and a bit of swagger knowing we can hold our own against the big boys.

See here is what I am saying a lack of depth in some positions plus have no injuries and be lucky and the Tide goes 14-0. Yes there is more Depth and speed but it is all young depth Freshmen no experince, mistakes will be made and we all hope no one gets hurt but it happens look back at 2005. As long as Bama moves in the right direction and improve fans will be patience I hope. It an't gonna happen over nite like some would want it to.

[Stoney]

Lee I know you think I have unrealistic expectations but the ingredients are all there and with Saban at the helm I expect the unexpected. You just have to have faith.

[Bamabeachlivin]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Lee I know you think I have unrealistic expectations but the ingredients are all there and with Saban at the helm I expect the unexpected. You just have to have faith.

Stoney not that I don't have faith I want Bama to get that 13th title as bad as you do. Not that Saban doesn't have the ingredients he has most of them but it still takes time and even as great a motivator Saban is I don't think 2 1/2 months is enough time but we will see come Aug. 30th
but I also say that Bama should be 4-0 comming into the Georgia game then we will see how good a team they really are.

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by Bamabeachlivin

Stoney not that I don't have faith I want Bama to get that 13th title as bad as you do. Not that Saban doesn't have the ingredients he has most of them but it still takes time and even as great a motivator Saban is I don't think 2 1/2 months is enough time but we will see come Aug. 30th
but I also say that Bama should be 4-0 comming into the Georgia game then we will see how good a team they really are.

The Clemson game will really tell us what we have... I am with you though going in to Georgia 4-0 is a very realistic goal and so is coming out 5-0. We can play with Georgia even with subpar athletes we did it last season and took them to OT. We owe them a good old fashioned smashmouth kick in the teeth.