With its second consecutive BCS title, Alabama Monday night accomplished something that hasn’t been done in the 15-year history of the current system used to determine a national champion. Thanks to their 42-14 evisceration of Notre Dame, the Tide has the opportunity to do something that hasn’t been done since Minnesota -- yes, the Gophers -- did it over 70 years ago: go back-to-back-to-back.
Looking over the depth chart and schedule, a crystal three-peat is certainly a possibility.
Based on the their most recent two-deep depth chart, and pending any early departures for the NFL, the Tide will return a total of 16 starters -- eight on offense, eight on defense -- as well as their main punter, punt returner and kickoff returner. Included in that total is their starting quarterback, at least one of their two 1,000-yard rushers (Eddie Lacy will likely leave early for the draft), their top four receivers in receptions and yards, four of their five leading tacklers and their two leading sackers.
Additionally, 21 of the 22 players listed as backups on the two-deep as well.
That returning talent and experience will fit nicely with the 2013 slate. Alabama’s toughest non-conference game will be a neutral field contest -- in the Georgia Dome -- against the team formerly known as Virginia Tech. In the SEC, the Tide’s most rigorous road test will come early as they travel to Kyle Field to take on Texas A&M the third weekend of the season looking to avenge the only loss of their of their title-winning season. The Tide will draw LSU at home in Tuscaloosa, with the likes of Ole Miss, Arkansas and Tennessee rounding out a rather pastry-like Bryant-Denny conference schedule.
Road-wise in the SEC, the Tide will travel to Kentucky, Mississippi State and Auburn in addition to what could be a titanic road tilt against A&M.
Add it all up, and provided Nick Saban doesn’t bolt for the NFL [/ducks], the Tide is poised to accomplish something unprecedented in the modern history of the game of college football by claiming three BCS titles in a row, and four in the past five years.
So, what do you think? With nearly eight months before the first kickoff of the 2013 season, will Alabama continue its dynastic arc and throw a three-peat on the board?
Vote below, and chime in below that.
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