ESPN <3's Bama --- Alabama will repeat as national champions

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Alabama will repeat as national champions: The offense will be more explosive.

Yes, All-World running back Trent Richardson is gone, but that doesn't mean that the Crimson Tide offense won't be as intimidating. In fact, it might be more balanced and more explosive without him in the lineup. Quarterback AJ McCarron is a year older and the coaches hope wiser. Coach Nick Saban really does want to let him loose. He wants to see more of a downfield passing game and he knows that McCarron has the talent to do all that and more for Alabama. The question is if he can get over some of the silly mistakes he tends to make by trying to press and do too much.

Regardless, an older, more experienced McCarron is a good thing for the Tide. He'll be equipped with some younger receivers, but the coaches expect to get more home run power out of them, starting with the true freshmen from this year's recruiting class. Chris Black and Amari Cooper both enrolled early this spring and showed off solid playmaking ability. The thought is that they'll open things up more in the passing game and spread the field more for McCarron. Also, highly-touted incoming freshman Eddie Williams will get his chance at wide receiver. Sophomore DeAndrew White could be a big-time deep threat with all that speed he possesses. Also, tight end Michael Williams can really be a beast on the field. The coaches are expecting even more from him this fall.

The Tide is still stacked at running back, too. Bruising Eddie Lacy takes over as the lead back, while he'll get help from talented freshman T.J. Yeldon, a monster in Jalston Fowler and speedster Dee Hart. The thing Alabama will be able to do is get multiple backs on the field more this year by putting guys like Yeldon and Hart out wide at times.

Also, Alabama returns arguably the nation's best offensive line. That will give McCarron more time and help generate steam for that running game.

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