A History Lesson Coach Saban Should Have Paid Attention To
There are many things that Coach Nick Saban is known for since he has been coaching college football. One of which is his tireless work ethic, it's very well-known he spends hours watching films on other teams.
So, imagine the surprise when Nick Saban, the man who takes only 24 hours off after he wins a national championship, actually took a 10-day vacation to Italy.
Maybe, while in Italy, Coach Saban learned about the fall of a dynasty known as the Medici family. When a dynasty falls, it is very rarely an easy or enjoyable experience.
Many are saying Saban’s dynasty is over at the Capstone, which until now has been a laughable notion.
However, this season, something seems very different and unfamiliar with the Crimson Tide team. The “fear factor” isn’t there - Alabama doesn’t seem invincible anymore.
Bama’s first game against Middle Tennessee State looked good on paper for the passing game, with Jalen Milroe completing 13/18 passes and finishing the game with 194 yards.
The Tide as a team rushed for a total of 205 yards and soundly defeated the Blue Raiders 56-7.
What a difference a week would make for the Tide when the Texas Longhorns came to Tuscaloosa.
The struggle began for Alabama’s passing game with Milroe throwing not one but two interceptions that resulted in Texas points. Alabama took a momentary lead in the third quarter. The lead was short-lived however with Texas scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter to defeat the Tide 34-24.
Alabama taking its first non-conference loss in over 50 games was a shock and raised many questions, like: is the “dynasty” over? Is Alabama no longer a college football superpower? Has Nick Saban “lost his way?”
The talk of problems for the Tide got even louder in week three of the season with first half struggles against South Florida. Tyler Buchner started the game and only completed 5/19 passes (35%). The offense continued to struggle not scoring a touchdown until the third quarter.
Alabama eventually closed the game out winning 17-3.
However, looking at the years Alabama won its six national championships, four of those had a loss on their record from the regular season. Saban has always seemed to be able to make the changes, and the Tide would go on to play for a championship.
So why does it seem that, so far, that the changes are not working?
There are several theories, such as five-star recruits going elsewhere to NIL being a factor.
Time will tell if Alabama’s dominance is over and the Saban Dynasty is finished. The Tide will host Ole Miss this Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium at 2:30 PM.
If the Tide should be defeated, it will only fuel the “end of an era” conversation. Unfortunately, the Tide’s hold on the college football world will eventually subside because, as history has taught us, a dynasty ending is always inevitable.