Forget Marvel Madness, the Pre-Season Countdown Has Something Really Evil in Store

Pre-Season Countdown:

4. Alabama Crimson Tide

The Crimson Tide will once again enter this season with national title aspirations, and with good reason, they have the coach and talent to make it happen. As much as I hate to sing the praises of Nick Satan and crew, there is absolutely no denying the tremendous amount of talent that his staff has amassed over the past three season.

The defense could and probably should be the best in the country. Mark Barron is probably the best Safety in the country and Donte Hightower is now healthy and could be the best defensive player in the country. Last year I doubted the Tide based not on the lack of talent on defense but lack of experience, this year all that talent is back with the experience needed to make it a truly special unit. The loss of second overall draft pick in DE Marcell Dareus will hurt but I have every expectation that Saban will find a capable replacement.

The offense is where there are some question marks. The line looks strong and should provide a solid foundation for a unit that will need to break in a lot of skill players. Last year Alabama had one of the best three headed monsters in the country in RB Marc Ingram, WR Julio Jones, and QB Greg McEllroy. This year all three are gone, and while RB Trent Richardson is highly doubted and expected to make Ingram look replacable, the questions of who will replace McEllroy and Jones has yet to be answered.

I expect the Tide to drop one regular season game and look mostly dominant throughout the season. I expect them to win the SEC West but be upset by South Carolina in the conference championship game and miss a BCS bowl as a result, despite going into championship week ranked second in the nation.

Prediction: 11-2 - Cotton Bowl

More winners are in fro the Madness: Dr. Doom, Annihilus, Ymir, Klaw, Marrow, Ulik, Crimson Dynamo, and the Super Skrull are safely into round two.

And now for today's matchups........

43. Titania

vs.

22. Moonstone

54. Erik the Redd
vs.

11. Absorbing Man

38. Trapster
vs.

27. The Gorgan

59. Destiny
vs.

6. Sentinels

46. Avalanche
vs.

19. Mr. Hyde

51. Winter Soldier
vs.

14. Grandmaster

35. Danger
vs.

30. Mad Thinker

62. Monica Rappaccini/Scorpion
vs.

3. Mephisto