It begins with an idea, an idea to resurrect a once proud program back to significance and to make it the standard in college football. Nick Saban’s PROCESS, the term he uses for the psychological approach to motivate his team and coaches, has made him and every team he’s ever coached a success. That’s exactly what coach Saban has done in the twelve seasons he has been with Alabama.
Let’s look at Alabama’s win/loss record since 2007:
(2007) 7-6
(2008) 12-2
(2009) 14-0 National Champions
(2010) 10-3
(2011) 12-1 National Champions
(2012) 13-1 National Champions
(2013) 11-2
(2014) 12-2
(2015) 14-1 National Champions
(2016) 14-1
(2017) 13-1 National Champions
Do you see a pattern here? I sure do. It’s called excellence. Even in the years the tide don’t win the national title, besides 2007, they are either playing for it all or going to a new years six bowl. Most teams would love to have that kind of record. Of course, most teams would love to have Nick Saban as well.
This Saturday, the tide are playing a very good Oklahoma team, and if they can win, they get another shot to play for the National Title. To do that, they will need to contain Heisman winner Kyler Murray and the high potent sooner offense. The Sooners can stretch the field, and with the #1 offense in the nation, they can score. What the tide has to do is DO what they do best, which is closing gaps and getting to the quarterback. If they can consistently get pressure on Murray, then I like Alabama’s chances.
Whether Tua or Jalen start, I don’t think it will be much of an issue for the tide to score. The sooners have struggled all season to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. What you don’t want to happen is to have both Jalen and Tua have a lapse since it’s been over three weeks since they have played. I don’t forsee that to be an issue, Nick Saban isn’t one to let his teams play lackadaisical.
Will Alabama once again reach the National Championship? Tune into the Orange Bowl this Saturday at 8 PM on ESPN to find out.
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