Why I Remain Optimistic (and why you should too)...

[Bamabuzzard]

This is TBD until Nov 29. Anyone saying otherwise is lying.

I agree, @CajunCrimson . This isn't about winning one big game and everything's soothed over. The hurdle that has to be jumped is proving that we can consistently play at a high level. Not get up for one big game then crap our pants the next against a lesser or equal opponent. That's what has got to be proven. We beat UGA last season, so in a sense, that's no big deal. The "big deal" is can we turn around after a huge road win and replicate the performance the following week against a Vandy team that isn't anywhere scared of us. That's the hurdle DeBoer has to jump. The test grade will come (as you stated) November 29th.

 

[Padreruf]

Judging by this criteria CNS would have been fired after year 1. Give CKD some time...much harder to do what has to be done at Bama now that in 2007-9. That's why we don't have CNS anymore...

 

[CajunCrimson]

Judging by this criteria CNS would have been fired after year 1. Give CKD some time...much harder to do what has to be done at Bama now that in 2007-9. That's why we don't have CNS anymore...

Except that this is year two. And he arrived as our executive chef with a fridge full of top quality product.

CNS turned cans of potted meat and spam into gourmet meals in his second year

 

[PA Tide Fan]

Judging by this criteria CNS would have been fired after year 1. Give CKD some time...much harder to do what has to be done at Bama now that in 2007-9. That's why we don't have CNS anymore...

I think one reason fans lose patience quickly with CKD is that when he went to Washington he took over a program that was only 4-8 the prior year. He instantly had them 11-2 in his first season and 14-1 with a NCG appearance in year two. When he came to Alabama he got a program that had just been in the semifinal the prior season so there was much more talent to work with here then when he went to Washington.

 

[mlh]

We beat UGA last season, so in a sense, that's no big deal. The "big deal" is can we turn around after a huge road win and replicate the performance the following week against a Vandy team that isn't anywhere scared of us.

These are words I never thought I'd read on any football forum.

 

[Bamabuzzard]

These are words I never thought I'd read on any football forum.

Times have definitely changed in the world of CFB.

 

[BamaMoon]

FSU was terrible. UGA was terrific.

But in the course of a long season we've got to remember there are usually 1 or 2 games a year that any team will struggle. I know we've had a big time struggle game already, but it'll probably happen again...but hopefully not to that degree!

But, when it does, the question will be do we have the mental toughness to gut out the win when we don't play well.

And before anyone gets too excited, remember that in CNS's last year we basically were terrible in 2 of our last 3 games and went 1-1 in those two games. Were it not for the incredibly insane 4th down play (AU's defense) and an amazing throw and catch we would have been 0-2 in those two games.

What I'm saying is we can't/shouldn't expect our team to always look as sharp as they did against UGA. If we somehow pull that off we'll win the NC. But if we drop a game, after this big win, we're still probably in at 10-2.

Just trying to remind us to be realistic!

 

[cdub55]

Judging by this criteria CNS would have been fired after year 1. Give CKD some time...much harder to do what has to be done at Bama now that in 2007-9. That's why we don't have CNS anymore...

I agree with the sentiment that it is much tougher to replicate what has been done during the current climate of NIL/Transfer Portal but I also want to mention this...

Nick Saban is currently 73 years old. He was hired when he was a vibrant 55 year old. I can assure you that if Saban was hired in 2024 at 55 under the current atmosphere of CFB, he would find a way to win and win at a high level.

 

[BamaMoon]

I agree with the sentiment that it is much tougher to replicate what has been done during the current climate of NIL/Transfer Portal but I also want to mention this...

Nick Saban is currently 73 years old. He was hired when he was a vibrant 55 year old. I can assure you that if Saban was hired in 2024 at 55 under the current atmosphere of CFB, he would find a way to win and win at a high level.

Well, that is up to debate. In no way would I doubt his drive and work ethic, but his "style" of coaching was to challenge players to "increase their value" through their college years to make it big in the NFL. To an extent some of that is still true, obviously, but the culture is so different. But one thing that has changed is the inability to stack rosters with the talent he was able to do. We had 5 stars who would wait their turn on the bench and who added depth. Alot harder now with NIL and the portal.

Again, not saying he couldn't at 55 again, but that it would be less sure due to the current circumstances.

 

[STONECOLDSABAN]

Except that this is year two. And he arrived as our executive chef with a fridge full of top quality product.

CNS turned cans of potted meat and spam into gourmet meals in his second year

Didn’t we have a ton of transfers after saban left? The transition wasn’t exactly smooth

 

[92tide]

I agree, @CajunCrimson . This isn't about winning one big game and everything's soothed over. The hurdle that has to be jumped is proving that we can consistently play at a high level. Not get up for one big game then crap our pants the next against a lesser or equal opponent. That's what has got to be proven. We beat UGA last season, so in a sense, that's no big deal. The "big deal" is can we turn around after a huge road win and replicate the performance the following week against a Vandy team that isn't anywhere scared of us. That's the hurdle DeBoer has to jump. The test grade will come (as you stated) November 29th.

i am still in wait and see mode.

at least to me, i saw a completely different vibe this past weekend compared to last year. much more team oriented and disciplined. no turnovers and only 4 penalties (at least one of which was complete bs) in a very hostile environment was impressive.

now my big question is can we handle success and be consistent with our brutal schedule

 

[AussieTy]

Are we optimistic yet?

4th team in SEC history to win 4 consecutive ranked games. Roll Tide.

 

[MikeInBama]

Are we optimistic yet?

4th team in SEC history to win 4 consecutive ranked games. Roll Tide.

First to do with zero weeks off.

 

[JustNeedMe81]

Are we optimistic yet?

4th team in SEC history to win 4 consecutive ranked games. Roll Tide.

I nominate this thread for the best thread of the year. Sir, thank you for bringing lot of people off the cliff and continued to believe in the team.

 

[92tide]

i am still in wait and see mode.

at least to me, i saw a completely different vibe this past weekend compared to last year. much more team oriented and disciplined. no turnovers and only 4 penalties (at least one of which was complete bs) in a very hostile environment was impressive.

now my big question is can we handle success and be consistent with our brutal schedule

well, i waited, and i have seen.

still a lot of ball to be played, but this team seems to have that junction boys one heartbeat vibe

 

[PA Tide Fan]

Are we optimistic yet?

4th team in SEC history to win 4 consecutive ranked games. Roll Tide.

I'll have to wait and see how we handle going on the road to face an unranked opponent. Will the intensity still be there? It's still a bit early to say Alabama football is back to where it should be as there's still time for the season to unravel down the stretch.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

I'll have to wait and see how we handle going on the road to face an unranked opponent. Will the intensity still be there? It's still a bit early to say Alabama football is back to where it should be as there's still time for the season to unravel down the stretch.

We should win Saturday in a blowout, but it will probably be closer than any of us want.

 

[arthurdawg]

I am optimistic... Heck, I was pretty optimistic coming into the season, we have a very good roster, and I think our coaching is solid. Still a bit of a head scratcher in regards to FSU which lost to a Stanford team with a losing record last night.

The positives are that we have been doing very well recruiting and really seem to be playing well. I hope we continue and make some noise in the playoffs against a schedule that is absolutely brutal and ridiculous compared to almost everyone else.

And look at Tejas... Arch was 12/27 and they beat Kentucky in OT. Zoiks... Anyone want Sark now?

 

[December05]

Are we optimistic yet?

4th team in SEC history to win 4 consecutive ranked games. Roll Tide.

Not yet. Eastern Illinois is what will tell the tale for me. We may make it through to that stretch, but what if we give up 100+ yards rushing to the Panthers? What if we don’t finish strong and give up a late score? What if what should’ve been 66-0 turns into 62-9? I won’t know for sure if Kalen deserves M.Y. support or whether he’ll be able to make it through the entire season until November 22nd.

Who’s Franklin’s agent? Just in case we need to make a QUICK call.

Re-reading this thread this morning has been enjoyable. I wasn’t as optimistic as Aussie, I’ll admit, but “good night” at the early September knee-jerk of some.

 

[mdb-tpet]