"It's all about the process"

[Randy Watson]

If you've seen the front page of Tidesports this morning, that's the headline. It was something CNS either directly mentioned or alluded to several times during his PC yesterday, and to me, it is a clear signal that things are quickly gietting "fixed" at UA.

I challenge each of you (us) Bama fans, as you're watching games or practices this Spring and Fall, try to look beyond the scoreboard and the stats. Look to see if we have players backtalking coaches (and if we do, what happens). Look to see what happens when (if) players make "stupid" penalties, like receivers jumping offsides. Watch what happens when (if) one of our players gets an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Try to notice if we get "better" in the fourth quarter. See if we make adjustments before halftime, and really big adjustments at halftime in games where we're not playing well in the first half.

Notice how discipline is handled during the offseason and the season.

Remember that Coach Stallings started 0-3. Remember that there is a TREMENDOUS price to be paid by our players if they want to be a champion. And know that several, including some of our "stars" that we "absolutely must have", may not be willing to pay that price. Remember this during the spring and summer, when some of them may decide to go home (hopefully not, but chances are it will happen).

Let's not lose sight of this in the weeks, months, and years to come. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PROCESS. If we do things the right way, results wil follow.

 

[paul02085]

Great post. I would sticky this one.

 

[StoneMtnDew]

Good ideas there. I expect 8 wins next year. What we lose in continuity will be made up for in competence. If you look back at this season we could have been 10-2. I'm expecting great things in the future, but I'll give Saban a year to find his groove.

If we start off 0-3 though that means we would have lost to Western Carolina and Vandy, if that happens Saban will have some explaining to do.

 

[GrayTide]

If you've seen the front page of Tidesports this morning, that's the headline. It was something CNS either directly mentioned or alluded to several times during his PC yesterday, and to me, it is a clear signal that things are quickly gietting "fixed" at UA.

I challenge each of you (us) Bama fans, as you're watching games or practices this Spring and Fall, try to look beyond the scoreboard and the stats. Look to see if we have players backtalking coaches (and if we do, what happens). Look to see what happens when (if) players make "stupid" penalties, like receivers jumping offsides. Watch what happens when (if) one of our players gets an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Try to notice if we get "better" in the fourth quarter. See if we make adjustments before halftime, and really big adjustments at halftime in games where we're not playing well in the first half.

Notice how discipline is handled during the offseason and the season.

Remember that Coach Stallings started 0-3. Remember that there is a TREMENDOUS price to be paid by our players if they want to be a champion. And know that several, including some of our "stars" that we "absolutely must have", may not be willing to pay that price. Remember this during the spring and summer, when some of them may decide to go home (hopefully not, but chances are it will happen).

Let's not lose sight of this in the weeks, months, and years to come. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PROCESS. If we do things the right way, results wil follow.

Good post, Randy. I have said on several occasions that while we are all in a state of euphoria over the hiring of Coach Saban, we need to keep some perspective on the reality of the 2007 season. New coaches have a period of adjustment when coming into a new program, new staff, evaluation of players implementing a totally new system, and sometimes there are a few stumbles along the way. I know there are a lot on here who think we will go at worst
10-2 but expect 12-0. IMO when you consider all that can happen during a year of transition I realistically think an 8-4 or possibly 9-3 would be an outstanding first year. Also keep in mind there is the likelihood that there will be some attrition among our returning players.

 

[sabanball]

I agree with the fact next year will of course be a "transition" year and expectations should be tempered accordingly. Having said that though, based on the press conference I watched yesterday, I do expect the days of Alabama playing "up" or "down" to the level of the competition to be a thing of the past.

 

[OldSchoolBamaFan]

Next year might be a transition year, but if we can whip our OL and DL into shape there's no telling WHAT can happen. We have the skill positions in place on offense to do quite well if the OL can come around.

On Defense, well we really need some help in some positions, but again a strong and in shape DL will work wonders in solving defensive problems. Here's the question though: Can we make up that gap btwn us and other teams in just 10 months?


(Can you tell I wasn't a big fan of Shula's S&C program?)