More than likely, in its own Sun Belt this season, Arkansas State figures to be a factor. Asking the Red Wolves to trade punches with a legit SEC and national heavyweight, however, might prove a bridge too far. To paraphrase Burgess Meredith's Mick character in Rocky III, when warning Stallone of Mr T (Clubber Long), "Bama is a wrecking machine!" The roster looks perhaps stronger and deeper than last season's Final Four entry. Additions from the portal include 6-11 Clifford Omoruyi (ex-Rutgers), who gives the Tide the rim protector they lacked last season, and enough experienced firepower returns, led by G Mark "the Jalen Brunson of the SEC" Sears, who scored 21.5 ppg last season and scored 20 in 25 minutes in the opener vs. UNC-Asheville. Speaking of that opener, the Tide was able to extend the lead throughout because of the quality depth for Oats (the final score was 110-54). Bama looks good and hungry...a good combo for a big favorite. Play Alabama