What's next for Alabama, ND?

Prior to this season's bowl games, I gave an initial stock report for all 70 bowl participants as far as their 2013 prospects. I rated both Alabama's and Notre Dame's stock as even.

Now before I get a large outcry from critics of the Irish and Crimson Tide fans, let me say that I am not necessarily calling for a national title rematch, but I am calling for these two teams to remain among the nation's elite next season. Forecasting Alabama to keep its spot as one of the top programs certainly would not qualify as one of my "bold predictions," but calling for Notre Dame to continue its winning ways after a nearly 20-year run in which it had only one top-10 finish (No. 9 in 2005) prior to this season certainly might meet the criteria.

Here's an early preview of what to expect next season from Notre Dame and Alabama.

Notre Dame's 2013 outlook

To read Phil Steele's full take on how Alabama and Notre Dame will fare next season, you must be an ESPN Insider.

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Phil Steele

ESPN Insider

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• ESPN Insider college football contributor
• Has published his annual college football preview magazine for the past 18 years