I know, Alabama's back on top. Saban added the Tide's 13th National Title (tops in CF) and their 22nd SEC Title (9 more than the Vols and 10 more than Georgia). But next season, they might be taking a step back. It's time to rebuild that defense.
    The Tide will lose their D-line, 4 LBs, and 4-5 DBs. And maybe, the Coordinator in Kirby Smart. So, that's 10-12 impact players they've got to replace. Better get to work. Plus, mix in the difficulty in going back-to-back and Alabama has a problem.
    Up front, Deadrick, Cody and Lorenzo Washington are gone. At the 2nd level, Rolando McClain is probably leaving for the NFL...
plus they lose Reamer, Anders and Fanny. In the secondary, Arenas Woodall, Marquise Johnson and Ali Sharrief exit, and Kareem Jackson might bolt early. That is a long list of impact players.
    In 2010, Marcel Dareus and Josh Chapman will play big on the D-Line, but who else is ready? At LB, Hightower takes over for Rolando and Harris, Upshaw and Nico Johnson fill out the group. That's a lot of youth. Barron could be the only impact player in the secondary back. 
    Sounds like the Alabama offense better get ready to lead the way in 2010. That side loses 2 starters  (Johnson & Davis) on the O-Line, a really good TE (Peek), and the All-SEC kicker (Tiffin). But that's workable. The horses return at RB: Ingram & Richardson, plus Julio Jones and Maze come back outside. McElroy is back at QB. This group needs to score more in 2010. 
    Look out Alabama, LSU is gaining on you in the West. Better not celebrate too long. There is a lot of work to get done, especially on defense.