The Confidence Is Back

[RazedRite]

Now, I'm not talking specifically about the team here, but let me explain...

The last time I can remember this feeling was the early 90's. The Bama team was coached by Stallings and they usually produced very stout defenses. I was never worried about losing the game back then. I knew the defense would step up and shut 'em down. If they can't score points, they can't win. I knew it and the players knew it.

This season, without any concious decision to do so, I've begun to watch the games with that same confidence. I guess you can just see it in the players. Their confidence must be evident in their body language; it portrays lots of energy, passion and attitude. It's no longer a question of whether the 'D' can shut 'em down; it's whether or not they'll be able to score points off of turnovers. I love being able to watch the games with that mind-set. It makes it so much fun.

Bama may have a few years before it's winning championships, but Bama has a team of winners right now!

ROLL TIDE!

 

[RollTideinGA]

Well some are gonna praise your statement, and some are gonna bash ya for being so confident this early when we "haven't faced anyone".

Now I'll approach it this way. I agree, sort of. I can see it in the players and the coaches. They know they can win if they stay focused. But I believe they have had this all along, but they didnt have the right coaches.

Coach Dubose was a defensive coach, and in my opinion shouldnt have been the HC. Now Fran wasnt a good fit because he didnt have the killer mentality for the SEC (See 2001 S Car & Ole Miss). And I wont even touch the Price debacle. Then last year with Coach Shula the team was on its 4th coach in 4 years. And we lost some of those games late when we should have won. Imagine last year a senior could have played for Dubose, Fran, Price, and Shula in his career at Alabama.

Now I believe with the stability of Coach Shula and a full year in his system we will see more improvement than people expected. For we havent actually been down, we just didnt have the leadership. So yes I am having that same confident feeling. ROLL TIDE!!

 

[crimsonbleeder]

I'm with ya, RR...

Yes, it's early in the season, and we've faced, well, subpar (to put it nicely) opponents, BUT our execution and confidence is like those early 90's teams you referenced. We're looking good, and it shows, and the level of competition doesn't matter. The players are EXECUTING the game plans with confidence WITHOUT making mistakes...that's the mark of a great football team, as long as the coaching is up to par, and ours is getting to be above it!

Congrats 'Bama! Keep it up! :biga2:

 

[klj59]

Agreed...I believe being in the second year of Shula system has bolstered these guys confidence by leaps and bounds. Our guys seems as if they are now reacting and not thinking about their assignments this year...RTR

 

[roll2tide]

i really believe the HC position is the key for the entire program from faculty to players to fans to alumni. CMS has done a great job so far imo but i think his biggest selling point right now is just that we all feel that hes going to stay a while, and maybe a long while. i dont say that to take away from anything hes done as a coach.....i just think stability or lack thereof was what was really killing our program.

i also agree that the players have a better body language on the field. i think maybe Crimson Tide players are finally having fun again and im happy for them because they sure deserve it. the ones who havent been here long enough to endure 2 or 3 coaching changes came here despite the turmoil surrounding the program probably because they either love the school or they thought we would turn it around or both.

every Alabama team is special to me, but last years and this years teams i feel are going to remembered for many years to come. last year for the heart they showed (Shaud Williams should be every kids hero) and this year because i believe they will lay the foundation for building a winning program again and put our name back in the national limelight for positive reasons.