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	Monday, August 14 Bama hopes for another trip to the Orange Bowl
	By Pat Forde Special to ESPN.com Alabama Crimson Tide 1999 record: 10-3 (7-1 SEC) Coach: Mike DuBose Returning starters: 17 (9 offense, 8 defense) Outlook The DuBose learning curve has been constant through his three seasons in charge in Tuscaloosa: a three-victory improvement every year, from 4-7 to 7-5 to 10-3. If it remains in effect this season, the Crimson Tide wins 13 games and the national championship. It's not out of the question. There are two significant losses: first-round draft choices Shaun Alexander at running back and Chris Samuels at offensive tackle. Those won't be overcome overnight, but the key returnees are legion at Legion Field. All-purpose playmaker Freddie Milons (65 receptions, 15 rushing attempts, 40 kick returns in '99) and the quarterback tandem of Andrew Zow and Tyler Watts lead an offense that has steadily become more innovative and productive under offensive coordinator Neil Callaway. The defense is loaded with athletes, starting with sophomore linebacker Saleem Rasheed, who last year became the first freshman in school history to lead the team in tackles. There's really only four areas for concern for Tide fans daydreaming of a return to Bryant-level glory: a potentially prickly opener at UCLA; two new kickers; the potential for a divisive quarterback controversy; and the specter of scandal. Bama is on probation for violations during the Gene Stallings regime, and the school has twice suspended recruiting coordinator Ronnie Cottrell in the last year for violating NCAA rules. Furthermore, it recently was reported that Spurrier fired off an angry letter last May to DuBose questioning Alabama's recruitment of offensive lineman Justin Smiley of Brookley, Ga. Smiley's mother purchased a truck around the time of his commitment to the Tide. Keep an eye on ... Whoever replaces Alexander at tailback. It could be a committee of Shaun Bohanon, Ahmaad Galloway, Brandon Miree and anyone else who asserts himself. Whoever it is will have to have a nose for the end zone; Alexander The Great got there 24 times last season. It's a good season if ... Alabama is playing for the title Jan. 3 in the Orange Bowl. Beating Auburn goes without saying.		AROUND THE SEC Alabama Arkansas Auburn Florida Georgia Kentucky LSU Mississippi Mississippi St. South Carolina Tennessee Vanderbilt ALSO SEE Coaching carousel slowing down in SEC