Well Written Content Twilight In T-Town: The End of the Nick Saban Era

[closetojumping 62132]

 

Heading into the 2001 season, Florida State had finished each of the prior 14 seasons in the AP top 5. That's a feat above what Alabama has accomplished over a similar period. FSU won 2 titles during that run, which is obviously eclipsed by Bama's 6. 

If you had a time machine and could go back to the beginning of the 2001 season and argue online with other fans that Florida State would never finish in the top 5 again during Bowden's tenure, and they'd lose 4 games that season, 3 by double digits including once at home, and finish the season ranked a measly #15, people would have pointed at you and laughed. 

"Florida State just reloads, closetojumping." "It's Bobby Bowden. They'll be fine. He's showing no signs of slowing down." "I'm not betting against FSU and Bobby Bowden."

And few folks did bet against FSU and Bobby Bowden. FSU opened the 2001 season ranked #6 in the country. 

"Only #6, CTJ?" 

Well, yes. But numerous magazines and pundits had them playing for it all because ... Bobby Bowden. 

In reality, there were cracks starting to turn into fissures in the foundation of Bowden's program at FSU and they were about to start truly showing for all to see. 

FSU had to replace a Heisman-winning QB, multiple skill and OL talents taken in the NFL draft, and the majority of their top defensive talent, also taken in the draft the prior spring. Bowden saw long-time OC, Mark Richt, take a prized job at Georgia earlier that year. Instead of going out and finding a talented up and comer to replace the OC, as Bowden had done most of the time when losing an assistant, he did something different this time. He hired his son, Jeff Bowden, because, "hey, he's Bobby Bowden." 

The talent that FSU needed to simply "reload" didn't appear in the same ways as it previously did. Turns out, while they certainly still had plenty of talent, the recruiting services were bumping recruits regularly by then in FSU's favor because they were giving Bowden the benefit of the doubt. Whoops. All of those recent top 5 classes being stacked up by FSU turned out to produce more like top 20-ish classes, which is how those teams wound up finishing in the AP, if at all, over those final 9 years of Bowden. 

Bobby Bowden turned 71 during that 2001 season. 

closetojumping, what does any of that have to do with Alabama and Nick Saban?

Well, there is literally zero link between the two regimes. I'm not claiming there is. I'm merely pointing out that the similarities are eerie. 

Nick Saban enters the 2023 season 71 years old. 

Alabama this year opened the season in the top 4 of the polls. Many pundits have picked them to win or play for the national title. "Nick Saban and Alabama just reload. " "I'm not betting against Nick Saban. " "It's Nick Saban. He's showing no signs of slowing down."

Alabama entered the 2023 season having to replace 16 starters. 10 of those players were drafted in the prior spring's NFL draft. One of those starters in need of replacing was a Heisman-winning QB. Another was the best defensive player in the country. 

On top of that, Saban had to replace both of his coordinators. While he didn't hire one of his children, he did make two comfort hires. He had the chance to hire Kevin Steele as his DC on two separate occasions when the role was open and Steele was on staff. Saban went in a different direction. Now he's got someone who will do what he's told.

On the offensive side, he's hired a younger guy who he's given marching orders in regard to returning the offense to a "murderball" approach in which they just crush less talented teams under the weight of their superior talent in the running game and short passing game. He thought he could do so, and was lauded for doing so by guys like Josh Pate (his murderball segment from this summer, in hindsight to those who weren't paying attention and laughing back then, will give you a laugh now) because "hey, he's Nick Saban."

But CTJ, Alabama's still stacking top 3 recruiting classes back to back for cycles on end. Last year's class was #1 in the country, for Christ's sake.

All of that is also true. That considered, show me the same ol'dynamic, Heisman-esque players at the skill positions on offense. Malik Becton was being lauded, laughably, as a coup of a pick-up from the juco ranks this summer. I don't even know if he caught a pass on Saturday. The TBs are all highly ranked and all look very pedestrian. If a freshman was good enough, they'd be playing. Look across the sidelines last Saturday and you can see that. Outside of Downs and McKinstry, who stood out on defense in the back 7? Hell, where was Oatis on the DL for most of the game? Tell me what Dallas Turner did that anyone should remember. 

Did any of that look like a top 5 team to you? It shouldn't, because it isn't. Alabama could very well go 10-2 in the regular season this year, mostly because the SEC looks like 13 dwarves and Georgia. Alabama could also go 8-4 because they're not just going to out-talent UTenn, LSU, or Ole Miss. 

Gravity gets even the highest flyers and, as we know, it's a shock sometimes when it happens. 

It's one season, closetojumping. Bama will load up, crush it in the transfer portal, and be right back on top next season. 

Maybe. But there are significant differences in the college football environment today than in the past, and Saban isn't handling them well. 

1) The transfer portal requires significant money. Bama isn't the wealthiest group going after the same players. 

2) Transfer players already know what they're looking for in a new team. QBs know what kind of offense they want to run, and it isn't "murderball". WRs can go anywhere. Why would one choose Bama if USC, Texas, Washington, Ohio State or Tennessee wants them? The beat goes on.

3) NIL has leveled the playing field on Saban's magical competitive advantage in high school recruiting. Bama isn't 1 of 10 bidding on the best players. Bama is 1 of 90 going after the same guys and they don't have any more money than most of those 89 other schools. SMU or TCU can outbid them for a DFW guy, let alone Texas or USC. It's harder to flourish when you can't just show up and walk over your opponent. 

Texas walked into Bryant Denny and took Alabama's soul with it on the way out with a double digit win. They did the same thing when they entered the Big 12 to Nebraska.

"You want partial qualifiers or our brand and money?" "Ok, cool, no more PQs, sorry Nebraska."

Then the #3 Cornhuskers walked into the Trans World Dome in St. Louis, threw their helmets on the field and said "give us our trophy" before Texas took their soul and beat them by double digits. That was the beginning of the end for Nebraska. Alabama fans should seek a few of those fans out and get some advice from them on how to cope with all of it, because I know it would be sad to see Bama eventually decide the best answer is to just leave the conference. 

[Mother mopar 3291]

I noticed a few times where Bama was making stupid mistakes and Saban was upset but not like the years before. He would literally give out free colonoscopies to coaches and players for jumping offsides. He's not the same guy now.

[ztejas 43244]

Just now, Mother mopar said:

I noticed a few times where Bama was making stupid mistakes and Saban was upset but not like the years before. He would literally give out free colonoscopies to coaches and players for jumping offsides. He's not the same guy now.

Noticed it in his presser, too. I think he knows it's over. I bet this is his last season if they don't make the SECCG. 

[FloridaHorn 4735]

Before Saturday, I would have swore that Saban had sold his soul to the devil and would coach until he was 120 years old. During the game Saturday I noticed on several occasions that Saban had the look of a beat down old man. His comments after the game did nothing to change my mind. In years past, Saban would have publicly castrated his players for making multiple stupid mistakes and penalties, yet on Saturday he just shook his head and moved on. As we age, we all reach a point where we realize that we are not as good as we once were, and that day has come for both Bama and their beloved head coach. 

[bluto 4873]

The skill position point was my biggest deal heading into Saturday. McLellan is STILL your bell cow? Ok, let’s dance, he’s a bigger/healthy Jonathan gray, Aledo and all. Not scared of him, dude had 20 yds on 10 totes last yr taking away the busted 80 yarder. Gibbs ain’t there, the tight end from LY was a beast too. And Bryce was a damn wizard. 

[Helobious 9477]

Does Bama not win that game with a QB that can actually pass? We might want to tap the brakes on all this. They’re not as good as they usually are but there’s no reason they won’t reload.

[Herpa Derpa 6105]

Would not surprise me if he hangs it up at the end of this year. The current state of the program would not win a title. Really depends on his desire to wade into the new SEC. 

[Js1 85056]

2 minutes ago, Helobious said:

Does Bama not win that game with a QB that can actually pass? We might want to tap the brakes on all this. They’re not as good as they usually are but there’s no reason they won’t reload.

With that OL? We might have had 10 sacks on a less mobile QB. 

[Chili dog 1787]

Saban’s last great coaching staff now coaches at Texas, save for an upgrade at DC over Golding. 

Edited September 11, 2023 by Chili dog

[Gut Wagon 8052]

4 minutes ago, Herpa Derpa said:

Would not surprise me if he hangs it up at the end of this year. The current state of the program would not win a title. Really depends on his desire to wade into the new SEC. 

Maybe Sark could use another special assistant. I hear Nick's wife still has that realtor's number. 

[tx ind 6996]

Who's next in line for the Bama job?  Dabo?

[Herpa Derpa 6105]

4 minutes ago, Helobious said:

but there’s no reason they won’t reload.

There's many reasons 2023 Bama won't reload like 2010 Bama or 2014 Bama. The college football landscape has changed dramatically since that time, with more upheaval coming. Just a few:

1. Georgia

2. NIL

3. Portal

4. Expanded playoffs

5. New SEC

 

Every one of those alone is a massive impediment to "reload".

[Tex Long 4326]

The real question is, will Nick walk away, or will he demand - and get - the Mack treatment and get three more years?

Either way, if he wants to stay, they can't - or at least, won't - fire him. Not even if he follows Mack even more by losing six or seven games. 

If and when he goes, who's the replacement? Surely not Sark... he wouldn't leave Texas, we're Texas. Right? 

[bluto 4873]

The skill position point was my biggest deal heading into Saturday. McLellan is STILL your bell cow? Ok, let’s dance, he’s a bigger/healthy Jonathan gray, Aledo and all. Not scared of him, dude had 20 yds on 10 totes last yr taking away the busted 80 yarder. Gibbs ain’t there, the tight end from LY was a beast too. And Bryce was a damn wizard. 

[Blotto 23418]

8 minutes ago, tx ind said:

Who's next in line for the Bama job?  Dabo?

Dabo is more fucked than Saban is with his disdain for transfer players and NIL. He's either gonna change his stance on those issues, or he's out of the game entirely. 

[Helobious 9477]

1 minute ago, Blotto said:

Dabo is more fucked than Saban is with his disdain for transfer players and NIL. He's either gonna change his stance on those issues, or he's out of the game entirely. 

So what was your biggest deal heading into Saturday?

[Stilicho 1397]

1 minute ago, Blotto said:

Dabo is more fucked than Saban is with his disdain for transfer players and NIL. He's either gonna change his stance on those issues, or he's out of the game entirely. 

This. That fairy tale of Dabo jumping from Clemson to Bama doesn't have quite the same shine in 2023 as it did in 2017.

[C-Man 26992]

20 minutes ago, Helobious said:

Does Bama not win that game with a QB that can actually pass? We might want to tap the brakes on all this. They’re not as good as they usually are but there’s no reason they won’t reload.

If CTJ didn't already convince you, the fact that Helobious is saying tap the brakes makes me even more certain that we are witnessing the beginning of the end of Bama's dominance under Saban.

 

8 minutes ago, Tex Long said:

The real question is, will Nick walk away, or will he demand - and get - the Mack treatment and get three more years?

Either way, if he wants to stay, they can't - or at least, won't - fire him. Not even if he follows Mack even more by losing six or seven games. 

If and when he goes, who's the replacement? Surely not Sark... he wouldn't leave Texas, we're Texas. Right? 

Nick will quit long before he slides into Mack territory. Bama will 100% fire him the minute he's no longer useful to them. No, Sark wouldn't leave Texas for Bama. He knows exactly why Bama is regressing and he knows he has basically EVERYTHING he needs to win bigly in Austin.

[LTtxfan 48928]

SEC Shorts - Teams think their seasons are definitely dead

[closetojumping 62132]

One of our good friends is married to Saban's longest tenured assistant. They're very home team regarding Bama and they get pretty pissy if we take any digs. These are highly intelligent, highly educated, highly successful people and if I say something about them buying players, as an example, they will vehemently reject the premise. 

Anyway, we were visiting with our buddy at a corporate Bama tailgate on Saturday. I asked them, "you guys feeling good about tonight?" and they responded with "of course. we think this might be Nick's best team other than 2020. " I just smiled and said, "man, that's high praise" and later told my wife that I thought they were just sniffing their own farts at this point. 

I haven't talked or texted with them since the game, mostly because I know in some form that they're looking at things and thinking about their career. They've maintained that Saban wasn't going to do what Bowden and Paterno did and he's going to retire as soon as he wins one more than Bear. Lots of things to think about in regard to the future with Saturday and the Bear thing in mind.

I think they're all a bit shell-shocked today. I think that includes Saban. I think he kind of "knew" that this team was going to have some problems based on his comments ahead of the season, but when you're that successful, it's easy to convince yourself otherwise. 

I think it will be an interesting season to witness.

[Blotto 23418]

4 minutes ago, Helobious said:

So what was your biggest deal heading into Saturday?

huh?

[Chili dog 1787]

18 minutes ago, tx ind said:

Who's next in line for the Bama job?  Dabo?

They’ll go after Sark. Of course, I don’t see us letting Sark go anywhere, but that’ll be their first call. 

[Huckleberry 32685]

1 minute ago, Blotto said:

huh?

He got his blXto posters mixed up. bluto had a hell of a delayed double post.

[Pam Cummings 9553]

24 minutes ago, Js1 said:

With that OL? We might have had 10 sacks on a less mobile QB. 

I love bringing 3 or 4 and still getting huge pressure. It's such an advantage.

[animaltobacco11 107]

While all this is accurate, I am actually hoping that 'Bama is not swirling the drain.

That is because, if they aren't a merely above average team (10-2 / 9-3 type) and are a great team with one or two pieces or misfires away, then it bodes a heck of a lot better for Texas. For our strength of schedule, should we take an untimely and irresponsible L from an inferior team, for our prospects of actually competing not only for a CFP spot but in the CFP spot, and for our psychology as we take the giant leap forward this year.

I'm actually rooting for Jalen Milroe to have a better showing passing the ball moving forward. 

Like many, I've also rewatched the game and watched hours of the highlights since Saturday, and I've come away thinking this 'Bama team was still pretty dang good. Miles ahead of OU, at least.

[Tex Long 4326]

"... as soon as he wins one more than Bear..."

That is precisely Mack territory. 

[Helobious 9477]

5 minutes ago, Blotto said:

huh?

I thought you were bluto. You both should change your username to something not stupid. 

[Vic Mackey 46919]

I noticed a few times where Bama was making stupid mistakes and Saban was upset but not like the years before. He would literally give out free colonoscopies to coaches and players for jumping offsides. He's not the same guy now.

He had a historic run. And is now 15 years older. He's now in his 70s. He's winding down I'm going to guess and he will ride out in the sunset in the next 5 years I'm guessing.

I'll still hold off on this is the end of Bama. They still attract a ton of talent every year. A down year for them is simply not winning a national championship.

This kind of talk was done constantly during the Patriots dynasty after any loss. It's been done on here and they went to back to back national titles and winning one. The end will come at some point, though.

[NoName 16271]

34 minutes ago, Helobious said:

Does Bama not win that game with a QB that can actually pass? We might want to tap the brakes on all this. They’re not as good as they usually are but there’s no reason they won’t reload.

no.

Bama doesn't win that game as long as Texas is playing that well on passing, getting explosive plays and having an 18% HAVOC rate.

Texas averaged about 2 more plays per drive and about 10 more yards per drive than Alabama. Texas got 15% more available yards. Texas won despite Alabama literally owning the Middle 8 (and only getting 2 FGSs to show from it.)

from a success rate perspective, Alabama actually had a higher success rate than Texas overall. they had a higher % of successful passing plays, run plays, standard downs, passing downs, early downs and late downs. Texas just beat that ass.

here is Ewers vs Milroe when it came to passing on a per play basis.

using FEI's game ratings, the Texas defense played the 3rd best game of the year against Alabama (after playing the 6th best game of the year against Rice) based on Defensive Game Rating. 97th percentile and 98.5th percentile - but thats just games played to date.

so no, you fucking clown, Alabama does not win that game if they have a QB that can actually pass.

Edited September 11, 2023 by NoName

[Vic Mackey 46919]

I noticed a few times where Bama was making stupid mistakes and Saban was upset but not like the years before. He would literally give out free colonoscopies to coaches and players for jumping offsides. He's not the same guy now.

He had a historic run. And is now 15 years older. He's now in his 70s. He's winding down I'm going to guess and he will ride out in the sunset in the next 5 years I'm guessing.

I'll still hold off on this is the end of Bama. They still attract a ton of talent every year. A down year for them is simply not winning a national championship.

This kind of talk was done constantly during the Patriots dynasty after any loss. It's been done on here and they went to back to back national titles and winning one. The end will come at some point, though.

[animaltobacco11 107]

Just now, Helobious said:

I thought you were bluto. You both should change your username to something not stupid. 

Fat, Drunk and Helobious is no way to go through life, son.

[cmontexas 3242]

26 minutes ago, tx ind said:

Who's next in line for the Bama job?  Dabo?

Freshwater

[Had Enough 2054]

…..we think this might be Nick's best team other than 2020…..

But what if it is?

[animaltobacco11 107]

2 minutes ago, NoName said:

no.

Bama doesn't win that game as long as Texas is playing that well on passing,, getting explosive plays and having an 18% HAVOC rate.

Texas averaged about 2 more plays per drive and about 10 more yards per drive than Alabama. Texas got 15% more available yards. Texas won despite Alabama literally owning the Middle 8 (and only getting 2 FGSs to show from it.)

from a success rate perspective, Alabama actually had a higher success rate than Texas overall. they had a higher % of successful passing plays, run plays, standard downs, passing downs, early downs and late downs. Texas just beat that ass.

here is Ewers vs Milroe when it came to passing on a per play basis.

using FEI's game ratings, the Texas defense played the 3rd best game of the year against Alabama (after playing the 6th best game of the year against Rice) based on Defensive Game Rating. 97th percentile and 98.5th percentile.

so no, you fucking clown, Alabama does not win that game if they have a QB that can actually pass.

The only play I can think of that Milroe cost them a sure thing TD was the play when the RB wheeled down the sideline and had his man beat for an easy TD if the ball is put on the spot.

[tokamak 6350]

Five years ago I figured they'd hire Dabo and keep right on rolling. As it's going now, they might not even talk to Dabo (and they shouldn't). Wonder if they're keeping an eye on Deion, lol. Holy shit what a circus that would be.

Most shocking thing to me is that their talent just does not look like Top 3 talent anymore. More like Top 15. Obviously still really good, but not 22 mutants like they used to put out there. RBs and WRs in particular are nothing special.

 

[gmr548 16463]

4 minutes ago, animaltobacco11 said:

While all this is accurate, I am actually hoping that 'Bama is not swirling the drain.

That is because, if they aren't a merely above average team (10-2 / 9-3 type) and are a great team with one or two pieces or misfires away, then it bodes a heck of a lot better for Texas. For our strength of schedule, should we take an untimely and irresponsible L from an inferior team, for our prospects of actually competing not only for a CFP spot but in the CFP spot, and for our psychology as we take the giant leap forward this year.

I'm actually rooting for Jalen Milroe to have a better showing passing the ball moving forward. 

Like many, I've also rewatched the game and watched hours of the highlights since Saturday, and I've come away thinking this 'Bama team was still pretty dang good. Miles ahead of OU, at least.

Bama's absolute floor this year is probably something like 8-4. Tennessee, LSU, Ole Miss, and of course Auburn will all be competitive games. They're unlikely to lose them all but they could lose more than one. Or of course they could go 11-1, none of those teams have set the world on fire either. Personally I think the 9-10 win outcome you mention is most likely. That's not a particularly good or talented team by Saban-era Alabama standards but they are still pretty far to the right of the bell curve in college football. The Texas DL worked them but most teams don't have the defensive front Texas has. Alabama will succeed playing bully ball against most of its schedule.

A road win over an 8-4 team that would still most likely be ranked is plenty good enough to solidify the resume if Texas has the record. It will look that much better if Bama is 9-3, 10-2, or 11-1. Texas controls its own destiny at this point. I'm still a little skeptical that they will be consistent enough to put together a 12-1 type of season, but the opportunity is in front of them and they are going to be favor in every game going forward for a reason.

[billfromlaketravis 11352]

I'm looking at their schedule right now and Bama doesn't have a bye until post Tennessee in late October. They really need 2 weeks of practice to fix the QB problem. I would pull the band aid off now and start Buchner. I hate the Milroe - Hurts comparison. Milroe is just an unwilling passer and can't read a defense. Hurts was never this limited as a passer at Bama. 

I think they can bounce back, but they don't have a lot of time. They'll have to score with Ole Miss in two weeks. 

[Aqua Buddha 14489]

Good write up.

Also, Saban knows the new SEC won't be nearly as easy for Bama.  Despite the "SEC is war every week" nonsense, Bama almost always has an easy schedule for various reason.  Schedule something neutral site, have three other churn games, and then play Arky, MS schools, and then LSU after a bye week.  Every now and then they draw a good East team but that's rare.

9 and 10 win seasons are more likely and he knows that fan base is completely deranged.

[Pig Bellmont 8679]

I’m not ready to bury Saban or Alabama. The SEC isn’t a scary conference this season, so it’s not unreasonable to think they can make the conf title game or even the playoffs 

[ChiTownDoc 21091]

5 minutes ago, tokamak said:

Five years ago I figured they'd hire Dabo and keep right on rolling. As it's going now, they might not even talk to Dabo (and they shouldn't). Wonder if they're keeping an eye on Deion, lol. Holy shit what a circus that would be.

Most shocking thing to me is that their talent just does not look like Top 3 talent anymore. More like Top 15. Obviously still really good, but not 22 mutants like they used to put out there. RBs and WRs in particular are nothing special.

 

I want to be excited about this, but now Georgia is basically Bama II but with even more on field talent but a lesser head coach.  We all need aggy to score any talent that’s possibly going to Georgia so they can just waste it…

Edited September 11, 2023 by ChiTownDoc

[NoName 16271]

2 minutes ago, tokamak said:

Five years ago I figured they'd hire Dabo and keep right on rolling. As it's going now, they might not even talk to Dabo (and they shouldn't). Wonder if they're keeping an eye on Deion, lol. Holy shit what a circus that would be.

Most shocking thing to me is that their talent just does not look like Top 3 talent anymore. More like Top 15. Obviously still really good, but not 22 mutants like they used to put out there. RBs and WRs in particular are nothing special.

 

if Saban retires this year, then they are going to try to godfather Dabo i'm sure. not sure who else out there can possibly live up to the shadow Saban leaves behind.

but if Dabo struggles this year + struggles next year then they are right back into the issues they had coaching wise between Bear Bryant and when they fired Shula - outside of Gene Stallings. from 83 to 06 they won 3 conference championships. Stallings won a National championship in 92. they are much closer to Texas when it comes to making good hires than they are Ohio State.

 

[Aqua Buddha 14489]

Bama ain't hiring Deion and we all know why.

[Doc Daneeka 6769]

My takeaway is that Sarkisian has 22 years to wreck college football until Texas needs to put his name on a bunch of stuff and move him into a PR position of some kind. 

[Blotto 23418]

7 minutes ago, tokamak said:

Most shocking thing to me is that their talent just does not look like Top 3 talent anymore. More like Top 15. Obviously still really good, but not 22 mutants like they used to put out there. RBs and WRs in particular are nothing special.

Agreed. They also used to have defensive lines that would maul teams, and yet Saturday it was Texas with 5 sacks vs the gumps with 0. This team definitely looks different. 

[Blotto 23418]

8 minutes ago, Aqua Buddha said:

Bama ain't hiring Deion and we all know why.

too many teeth?

[Had Enough 2054]

The only play I can think of that Milroe cost them a sure thing TD was the play when the RB wheeled down the sideline and had his man beat for an easy TD if the ball is put on the spot.

He had about 2 poor throws and 2 poor decisions. One of those picks was a 2 man route. That was probably more about inexperience feeling he had to throw rather than reading the defense. Im guessing the first we fooled him in that he didn’t prepare for what we gave him.

I’m having a difficult time reconciling Bamas QB play this year to last year. They scored more points. They had no long TD runs this year. Our defense is better. They didn’t block much in the passing game.

Young made a dumb decision throwing on the safety-non safety call. It’s also forgotten the Jamison was a hair from a pick 6. And let’s not forget Jamison went out so even though Bamas WRs weren’t good, they played against frosh getting their first real action in place of Jamison. His late game run hold was not called.

Yeah, no shit Young’s good. Just maybe it wasn’t all about the QB.

[speed817 19065]

49 minutes ago, Herpa Derpa said:

There's many reasons 2023 Bama won't reload like 2010 Bama or 2014 Bama. The college football landscape has changed dramatically since that time, with more upheaval coming. Just a few:

1. Georgia

2. NIL

3. Portal

4. Expanded playoffs

5. New SEC

 

Every one of those alone is a massive impediment to "reload".

You left off Jimbo 🤭

[Nicole44 22023]

Apart from the realignment uncertainty, I am enjoying the parity that comes with the portal and NIL. It gives schools like Colorado or an TCU a shot in the arm of adrenaline so to speak. If you’re good enough coach you can cobble together a Frankenstein-like team and make it to the CFP. If you’re a team like Bama or Georgia swimming in five stars you now have to accept that the viselike grip they have had on college football is no longer the case. Saban knows it. He has known it for a while and he saw that parity on the field last night. On a personal note a shout out and many thanks to @immamac @SquishMitten @RGBIII @SydneyCarton and @Wulaw Horn
and last but not least @closetojumping without you guys (if I am forgetting someone my apologies and thanks to all involved) for drastically helping to improve our roster and our street credentials with recruits. This doesn’t happen without y’all’s help. We are headed in the right direction. Not for a long time have I looked at our roster and thought, “shit we can beat any team we face.” The rest is up to the boys, coaches and Sark but we don’t get that W without the support of y’all and everyone who donates and puts their money and sweat equity where their burnt orange bleeding heart is. Thanks! 

Edited September 11, 2023 by Nicole44
Picked the wrong Sydney in my thanks sorry

[Vertigo 20257]

50 minutes ago, tx ind said:

Who's next in line for the Bama job?  Dabo?

Honestly, they are probably looking at Kiffen, Deion, or one of the many retreads that have cycled through in the last several years unless some crazy up and comer emerges. 

[Huckleberry 32685]

2 minutes ago, Had Enough said:

I’m having a difficult time reconciling Bamas QB play this year to last year. They scored more points. They had no long TD runs this year. Our defense is better. They didn’t block much in the passing game.