In 2002 the Tide, despite being on probation, was the best tean in the SEC West (6-2) and outgained SEC Foes by 152.1 ypg the best mark in the league. They had to replace an amazing I HC's in the offseason (see Coaches) and things came crashinc down for the Tide in '03 as they allowed 333 points in 13 games breaking the school record (287). They could easily have had i better record in 2003, as they lost two games in OT, lost to riva; Auburn by five, looked past Nl (lost by 3) and even outFD'd #1 ranked Oklahoma 19-13. In 2004 I called them the 2nd mosl improved team in the country and forecasted that they would get back to a bowl. Once again the team was snake bit as QB Croyle went down in the 3rd game then later lost their top TB and FB. In fact they lost a total of 31 starts due to injury. They had tough losses to Tenn, LSU and Auburn but still made it back to a bowl. Last year they had just 77 scholarship players, still feeling the effects of probation, but I called Alabama a darkhorse National Title contender. Despite their 6-6 record in 2004, Bama out-gained foes on the season by 82 ypg and had 16 returning starters. Shula was criticized for not having big wins in his first two years but the Tide simply opened up 9-0 and was ranked #3 in the NCAA, thinking National Title. Once again, key injuries hurt them as their offensive MVP, WR Prothro, was injured vs Florida and their top OL, C Closner, went down vs Miss St. Shula defeated #5 Florida 31-3 and got past #17 Tenn. They were in the first Top 5 battle at Bryant-Denny Stadium when they hosted #5 LSU. They had a 207-72 yd edge in the 1H and led 10-0 but their offense came up short .losing in OT 16-13. The next week the 11 sacks allowed by their banged up 0-line set up Auburn for a quick 21 -0 lead and they lost their 4th straight to their rival. The D did hold a potent TTech to 329 yards in the bowl and the Tide finished an outstanding 10-2 and #8 in the polls. Alabama did benefit from +8 in turnovers and had 3 close wins. After returning 9 starters on defense last year, they have just 4 back this season and 6 of the 7 starters lost were 3 year starters. While the Tide must replace QB Brodie Croyle, they should have a more stable OL and with 9 starters back on offense, should top last year's 21.9 ppg (lowest since 2000). I rated LY's D #3 in the country and they allowed an SEC low 10.7 ppg. It will be another successful year for the Tide but they proably will not match last year's #8 finish in the polls.
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