Johnny “Ballpark” Franks can be heard weekdays locally from 3pm-6pm on SportsRadio 730 The Ump (730 AM/103.9 FM). Email comments and questions to Johnny.Franks@cumulus.com.

Getting Into The Game

with Johnny "Ballpark" Franks

After a sixty-minute rollercoaster ride last Thursday, Alabama could finally enjoy the fruits of all of the hard work, dedication, sweat, and even blood as the 2009 squad claimed its 13th national championship with a 37-21 win over Texas. The Crimson Tide had also won national titles in 1925, 1926, 1930, 1934, 1941, 1961, 1965, 1966, 1973, 1978, 1979 and 1992.

Alabama's Mark Ingram proved there does not have to be a Heisman Trophy jinx as he rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries as he was named the game's offensive most valuable player.

The Crimson Tide's Marcell Dareus earned the defensive MVP honors mainly due to a 28-yard interception return with three seconds remaining in the first half which gave Alabama a commanding 24-6 halftime lead.

With the victory Thursday Alabama has posted a 32-22-3 all-time record in bowl games. The Crimson Tide owns the NCAA record for most bowl appearances (57) and is tied with Southern California for most wins (32).

Under the direction of head coach Nick Saban, Alabama is enjoying one of the school's best in . The Crimson Tide will enter 2010 winners of 24 straight regular season games and having posted victories in 27 out of the team's last 29 contests dating back to a bowl victory in 2007.

On Monday, Alabama junior linebacker Rolando McClain announced he is foregoing his senior year and declaring for the NFL draft. The three-year starter from Decatur (AL) was a major cog in Bama's defense, winning the Butkus Award this season as the nation's top linebacker. He is projected to be a first round pick in the April draft. I certainly wouldn't mind if he ends up with the Tennessee Titans.

Another major component of Alabama's national title run was being lured by another SEC school. Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, who won the 2009 Broyles Award as the top assistant coach in college football, announced he has turned down the offer to return to his alma mater, Georgia, and will remain with the Crimson Tide.

Looking ahead to the 2010 college football season my early preseason picks are: #1 Alabama, #2 Ohio State, #3 Oklahoma, #4 Virginia Tech and #5 Boise State. My sleeper pick in the SEC will be Arkansas, with home games against Alabama, LSU and Ole Miss.

Finally, one (if not both) of the winners of this weekend's New York Jets-San Diego and Dallas-Minnesota playoff contests will make the Super Bowl.

Johnny "Ballpark" Franks is the afternoon host on SportsRadio 730 The Ump (730AM/103.9 FM). His show can be heard each weekday from 3p-6p. E-mail: Johnny.Franks@cumulus.com