At New Mexico, he capped off an excellent six-year run as head coach by directing the Lobos to a 9-4 record and a trip to the Insight.com Bowl. Also included were a pair of 6-5 seasons. While that may not look impressive on paper, keep in mind that before Franchione changed the football fortunes in Albuquerque, Lobo fans had suffered through 10 straight non-winning seasons. Then, Franchione moved on to TCU where the Horned Frogs were coming off a 1-10 campaign in '97. All he did in Forth Worth was lead the Horned Frogs to three successive winning seasons, highlighted by a 10-2 campaign last year that included a 41-14 victory over Northwestern. Folks, that's the definition of a program-changer.

Crimson Tide at a glance

2001 schedule Sept. 1 vs. UCLA Sept. 8 at Vanderbilt Sept. 15 vs Southern Miss Sept. 22 vs Arkansas Sept. 29 at South Carolina Oct. 6 vs UTEP Oct. 13 at Mississippi Oct. 20 vs Tennessee Nov. 3 vs LSU Nov. 10 vs Mississippi St. Nov. 17 at Auburn 2000 results (3-8, 3-5 SEC) at UCLA L 35-24 Vanderbilt W 28-10 Southern Miss L 21-0 at Arkansas L 28-21 South Carolina W 27-17 Mississippi W 45-7 at Tennessee L 20-10 Central Florida L 40-38 at LSU L 30-28 at Mississippi St. L 29-7 Auburn L 9-0

Now, Franchione moves into the focal point of the college football world, the SEC and Tuscaloosa, Ala. He'll attempt to turn around the fortunes of a Crimson Tide squad that went 3-8 in 2000. Last season, Alabama was involved in several games that could have gone either way. The Tide also rolled to a 45-7 victory over bowl-bound Ole Miss and defeated Lou Holtz's 8-4 South Carolina Gamecocks 27-17.

OFFENSE
This season, Franchione appears to have the talent level necessary to re-energize the Crimson Tide. For that to happen, more consistent play from the QB position will be key. Last year, the Crimson Tide finished 100th in the nation in total offense. Andrew Zow figures to be the starter going, with competition coming from Tyler Watts, Jonathan Richey and highly regarded freshman Brodie Croyle. Since Croyle participated in spring practice, he'll have a better opportunity to compete for playing time.

In the new offense, Croyle had as much time dealing with the learning curve as Zow, Watts and Richey. If Croyle isn't able to surpass the others early on, the obvious decision would be to redshirt the 6-2¼, 195-pounder. In the spring, Croyle displayed a nice arm, good feet and the mental toughness and poise that Franchione is looking for.

The Crimson Tide should be able to run effectively. Junior Ahmaad Galloway isn't flashy, but he runs hard and provides good durability. Sophomore Brandon Miree also figures to be a major contributor. In addition to Miree, quality depth is provided by another youngster, Santonio Beard, who redshirted last year. With Franchione searching for more speed and game-breaking potential, Raymon Hudson was shifted from the defensive secondary to tailback. As a senior at the prep level, Hudson gained over 1,100 yards on the ground and scored 16 TDs. Shaud Williams must sit out the season after transferring from Texas Tech, but he figures to be a major factor at RB in 2002.

The effectiveness of the pass offense will hinge on the play of senior Freddie Milons. A Heisman candidate entering the 2000 season, Milons failed to perform up to the level expected, averaging less than 10 yards per reception. Based on his outstanding approach and effort during spring practice, the hope is that Milons will recapture the All-American form he displayed in '99 when he caught 65 passes and excelled as the primary punt/kickoff returner. Plenty of wideout talent is on hand with electrifying junior Antonio Carter, athletically gifted Jason McAddley and sure-handed Sam Collins.

Beside Milons, another critical performer on offense figures to be senior TE Terry Jones Jr. The talented 6-3½, 265-pounder suffered a knee injury five games into the 2000 season. Jones reportedly enjoyed a solid spring practice session. With his hands and in-line blocking ability, the healthy return of Jones is huge. Franchione also fortified the TE spot with the addition of juco transfer Donald Clark and freshman Clint Johnston.

While just two starters return up front, the Crimson Tide will field a young, physically imposing offensive line that figures to improve steadily as the season moves along. OT Dante Ellington is a proven performer, while on the other side, the general feeling is that 6-8, 310-pound redshirt freshman Wesley Britt has a chance to develop into quite a bookend. The Tide staff has high hopes for juco transfer Atlas Herrion, a 6-5, 300-pounder who participated in spring practice and will go into the fall as a backup tackle. The other returning starter is 6-6, 340-pound sophomore OG Dennis Alexander. With the graduation loss of Paul Hogan, junior Alonzo Ephraim becomes the anchor up front.

DEFENSE
On paper, the defensive front seven appears formidable. Providing a major lift will be junior RDE Kindal Moorehead, who returns to action after missing all of last season due to an Achilles tendon injury. In '99, the 6-3, 293-pounder recorded 13 tackles for loss, six sacks, 24 QB pressures and forced three fumbles. At the LDE spot, junior Kenny King flashes big-time ability but needs to work on becoming a finisher. Last year he had 27 QB hurries but only 1½ sacks. He was also bothered some late in the spring by a minor shoulder injury. Alabama is equally strong along the interior. Jarret Johnson is a force, and watch out this season for sophomore Anthony Bryant. Listed as the backup to senior David Daniel, it shouldn't take long before the athletically gifted Bryant -- an outstanding basketball player in high school -- becomes a difference-maker on the Crimson Tide front four.

Super blue-chip junior Saleem Rasheed is now at MLB, so teams can't run away from his side of the field. Rasheed has the potential for an All-American season. Senior Darius Gilbert also moved to MLB from the outside in the spring, but Franchione might work Gilbert at either position. One of the leaders on defense figures to be senior strongside LB Victor Ellis. Sophomore Brooks Daniels will operate at rover-type position. Talented freshman Freddie Roach could be in the mix at OLB.

Even though the defense reportedly held up well in the spring, the concern still has to be the secondary. What helped the deep patrol during spring practice was the consistent pass rush generated by the defensive front. Heading into the fall, the CB positions are wide open. But based on his strong spring, junior Hirchel Bolden may have a slight edge at one CB. Others competing for a starting job in the fall will be junior Gerald Dixon, sophomore Carlos Andrews and highly regarded freshman Charlie Peprah. Senior Shontua Ray, off a solid spring, is entrenched at SS, with veteran Reggie Myles at FS.

SPECIAL TEAMS
The kicking game is in good shape. Junior punter Lane Bearden hit the ball well in the spring. He'll handle kickoff duties as well. Senior placekicker Neal Thomas also impressed in the spring with his consistent effort.

Overview: Based on his incredible track record of turning around a program's football fortunes, Franchione is definitely the right man for the job in Tuscaloosa. This season, however, the challenge will be to elevate the performance of a Crimson Tide offense that struggled last season. QB Zow holds the key, since expecting freshman Croyle to seize control of the offense is likely asking too much. RB Galloway runs with purpose but there is a noticeable lack of breakaway speed in the backfield. All the talent at WR will afford plenty of opportunities down the field. WR Milons earned rave reviews in the spring, so that's a great sign. Carter is an exciting option as well, while McAddley and Collins combine to give the Crimson Tide a solid receiving corps. At TE, the healthy return of Jones is critical. While the line is young, there is plenty of talent and potential . Ellington is a proven performer at tackle and Britt shows future star quality as a bookend.