Alabama was 10-3 and finished 10th in the final AP poll last season, but the season was viewed as a disappointment. The Crimson Tide had gone a combined 26-2 in 2008-09, capturing the national championship with a 14-0 mark in 2009. So, last season's record, which included a fourth-place finish in the SEC West, cast a pall over the Capstone. Hitting the field this spring will offer relief and the first chance for Nick Saban's team to begin focusing on 2011. His squad looks as if it could be one of the best in the nation. The Crimson Tide are an early pick by many to be a preseason top-five team with a legitimate chance to play for the national championship. Alabama lost stars in wide receiver Julio Jones, tailback Mark Ingram and defensive end Marcell Dareus, all of whom turned pro early. The Tide also will be without quarterback Greg McElroy, an efficient two-year starter who lacked flash but got the job done. He tossed just nine picks in 638 attempts. But there is lots of veteran talent back across the board. In addition to filling some key holes, Saban also must work in some new coaches. Saban hired offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland from Miami to replace Joe Pendry, who retired. Mike Groh was hired from Louisville to coach receivers and be recruiting coordinator after Curt Cignetti left to be coach at Division II Indiana (Pa.). Chris Rumph was hired from Clemson to coach the defensive line after Bo Davis left for the same job at Texas. Here's a look at the Tide as they ready to open spring practice. Read more: http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1201856
