The Alabama Crimson Tide ran away with the SEC West in 2008 as it posted an 8-0 record in the conference. 

Alabama was led by a defense that ranked sixth in the nation last season by allowing only 13 points per game. 

Looking ahead to 2009, the competition will be hot in the race to Atlanta for the SEC title game.

Contenders: Alabama, Ole Miss, LSU

Alabama has a good chance to repeat as SEC West Champs. 

The Crimson Tide returns several key players on defense, including defensive back Javier Arenas. Last year, the Tide held opponents to under four yards per carry and only 78.8 yards per game.

The biggest question marks for Alabama ...

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