http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/31093230/A year ago, Alabama was coming off a six-loss season that included an embarrassing home stumble against Louisiana-Monroe. The Tide responded with 12 victories in 2008 and remained in the national championship discussion until December.
So who's this year's Alabama?
Sporting News college football writers Matt Hayes and Dave Curtis offer five teams apiece -- schools they believe will show the most improvement in the win column from 2008 to 2009:
Dave Curtis' top five
1. Washington, +5
2008: 0-12
2009: 5-7
Here's why: Well, the Huskies can't win any fewer. And a perfect storm of circumstances makes them the pick to win a bunch more. The program's energy alone should do a 180 with Steve Sarkisian in charge. A watered-down trip through the nonconference (hello, Idaho; see ya, BYU) will help. UW's best offensive player (Jake Locker) and second-best defensive player (E.J. Savannah) are healthy and eligible, respectively. And the bottom of the Pac-10 ranks as poor as ever -- road games against Arizona State and Washington State look like wins.
2. Arkansas, +4
2008: 5-7
2009: 9-4
Here's why: Where Bobby Petrino goes, wins follow. He'll be this season's example of the second-year bump enjoyed at the highest level by Bob Stoops, Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer, among others. If Ryan Mallett can quit breaking fingers, he's the best quarterback in the SEC West. Four wins seems a given in nonconference play (Missouri State, Eastern Michigan, Troy and Texas A&M in Dallas). And the defense will tackle well enough to manage a 4-4 SEC record and a win in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
3. Illinois, +3
2008: 5-7
2009: 8-5
Here's why: Turnovers and poor tackling doomed the Illini last season, especially against better-disciplined teams such as Northwestern and Iowa. The youth up front on both sides of the ball will develop, and Illinois will benefit from catching Missouri and Fresno State in down seasons. Look for Juice Williams-to-Arrelious Benn to become the most potent offensive tandem in the Big Ten.
4. Auburn, +3
2008: 5-7
2009: 8-5
Here's why: Don't expect another tumultuous season on The Plains. The new coaching staff, with its limousines on recruiting trips and Big Cat Weekend for unofficial visits, has at least unified the program. Tommy Tuberville's recruits will keep this defense strong, and by midseason, new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn will turn one of Auburn's quarterbacks into a proficient passer.
5. Southern Miss, +3
2008: 7-6
2009: 10-4
Here's why: A no-huddle offense, plus eight starters back on defense, should equal the Golden Eagles' return to the top of Conference USA. They'll grab at least one upset when they face Virginia and Kansas on consecutive weeks in September, with back Damion Fletcher (suspended for spring practice) and receiver DeAndre Brown (if healthy) carrying the squad.
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