-by Braden Gall (@BradenGall on twitter)

To steal a rather simple phrase from my boss, @AthlonMitch, losing coordinators in the off-season is a double-edged sword.

-by Braden Gall (@BradenGall on twitter)

The ink is barely dry on the 2011 college football season and Athlon Sports is already fired up about 2012.

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

After falling short in the first meeting against LSU, Alabama left no doubt in New Orleans. The Crimson Tide dominated the Tigers to win their second national title in three seasons. After winning the 2009 title, Alabama followed it up with a 10-3 record. Will the Crimson Tide follow up another championship with a three-loss record or a national title? The pieces are in place for another run, but Alabama will have some key losses to replace.

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

The Alabama-LSU rematch resembled the first meeting in some ways, but not on the scoreboard. The Crimson Tide turned in a dominating 21-0 performance, earning their second national title in the last three seasons.

-by Braden Gall (@BradenGall on twitter)

LSU and Alabama played for the national championship last night, and congratulations are in order for the Crimson Tide on adding a sixth straight BCS title to the SEC’s trophy case.

Like any championship in any sport, it took thousands of hours of preparation, scouting, film study, weight work and recruiting to earn the Crystal Ball. It also takes a bit of luck, as was the case for this season’s BCS National Championship game.

-by Braden Gall (@BradenGall on twitter)

With the BCS National Championship in the rearview, recruiting now takes center stage for the next three weeks.

-by Braden Gall (follow at @BradenGall)

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

-by Braden Gall (follow at @BradenGall)

-by Braden Gall (follow at @BradenGall)

There is no doubt this is the Era of the Quarterback.