Alabama Crimson Tide
2000 overall record: 3-8
Conference record: 3-5 (t-5th in West)
Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 6
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Ahmaad Galloway* (659 yds)
Passing: Andrew Zow* (1,561 yds)
Receiving: Antonio Carter* (586 yds)
Tackles: Marcus Spencer (102)
Sacks: Jarret Johnson* (7)
Interceptions: Milo Lewis (4)
What's new
Head coach Dennis Franchione brings a renewed enthusiasm to a team that finished far below expectations a year ago. In the spring, his staff focused on teaching fundamentals and a commitment to the weight room. Franchione plans to use an offensive style that will complement his personnel, so don't expect to see a lot of option packages like he ran at TCU.
Battling it out
Both starting cornerbacks are still undetermined, and three players are in competition for those spots. Gerald Dixon started the first seven games last year before a wrist injury took him out of the lineup, while Hirchel Bolden started twice in 2000. Carlos Andrews played in 10 games as a freshman -- mostly on special teams -- but performed well enough in the spring to challenge the others for a starter's role in August.
Eye catcher: FB Donnie Lowe
The 6-2, 247-pound sophomore played in every game as a middle linebacker last year, but the new staff decided to give him a look at fullback. He has proven to be a strong blocker with good hands and is listed as the starter at that position entering the fall.
Budding star: K Neal Thomas
Because Alex Walls had an all-star kicking season at Tennessee, not much attention was given to Thomas, who was 9-of-13 on FG (including 3-of-3 from 50-plus yards) and perfect on PAT. If he can become more consistent inside 40 yards, Thomas could be a very good kicker.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
