Based on what? Before this game, people were talking about how we could be getting even more dominate than we ever have. This years class could be best we’ve ever signed and next years is looking great too.
One game didn’t change that.
Perspective is important to cut through the hyperbole.
Bama got whipped. (Said only to make the point I understand that)
But, take away 2 turnovers that lead to 14 points and score twice with 1st and goal and the score is tied at 30-30.
The way our team was physically whipped the end result may not have been much different, but the way one or two are behaving you'd think one of the moron talking heads was a headcrab that had taken them over. (ETA: NOT calling anyone here a moron - far from it, but emotion may be getting the better of them)
The difference in this game was smaller than the scoreboard reflected. That's not to take anything away from Clemson or to give any undue credit to our team or coaches. It's simply to say that the little things matter. A LOT. And in this case a lot of little things added up to a big loss.
But anyone who thinks that Alabama doesn't have the talent or the coaching to get back in it is lacking in judgment, emotional maturity, knowledge, truth, or some combination.
This is not the end of Alabama being in the hunt every year.
The game has not passed Saban by.
It was simply a case of getting physically beat, making bad decisions, poor preparation, bad injury luck, and probably a few other things that can be corrected with dedicated effort and with a little luck (injury-wise).
So you are right: Alabama football has a future and the future can be bright. It will be whatever the team and coaches make it. It's on them to make it happen, but it's within their reach. One game doesn't change that.