Don't keep writing how wonderful this team is. Nick doesn't want to hear it. (Photo-TDA Magazine)

Giving Nick Saban What He Wants – Faults to be Addressed at Alabama

By: Larry Burton

The other day in a press conference Nick Saban was addressing something he refers to as “Rat Poison” once again. He was lamenting that writers are only heaping praise on this team and giving his team the impression that all they had to do was “…Put on that Alabama uniform and just automatically go out there and win the game”. He wanted to know why we as writers didn’t cover some of the things that aren’t so wonderful. He said that way he’d have something to take in and read to the team and point out that there are things we are seeing that need to be fixed.

Well Nick Saban gives his all for Alabama, so I think I can do a little something for him in return. Here you go Coach Saban, a no rat poison article with the things that an old 61 year old reporter sees that doesn’t like and needs to be fixed.

Penalties…

There was a time when Alabama set the standard for a quality team that avoided penalties. Well that ship has sailed. This season Alabama is one the worst teams in the entire nation in amassing penalties. Out of the 130 division one teams, only 22 teams are worse than Alabama. This is BS, not worthy of an Alabama team and they should get themselves together. You think you’re a great team? Great teams aren’t behind over a hundred teams in this category.  It’s embarrassing your fan base. It means you’re either stupid or lazy and neither is something we expect of a person in an Alabama uniform.

Fumbles Forced…

There was a time when Alabama was known for forcing fumbles. Well how did you forget to do that? Again, out of 130 division one teams, Alabama is tied for dead last in that category. That’s right, dead last! Has the defense just gone soft or are they just too lazy to try the things that separate a ball carrier from the ball? To be dead last in such an important area is again, just a shaming embarrassment for your coaches and fans. Geesh…. Can you at you at least put forth a little effort?

Pass Defense…

Every game we see receivers running uncovered, we see opponents completing long pass plays and when we look down the list teams doing a good job on pass defense, we have to look a long way down that list to find Alabama. That’s because they are number 70 at it. Yeah you can make excuses on how young and inexperienced this secondary is, but 70th? Again, you’re embarrassing your fan base. How about staying in the general vicinity of the player you’re supposed to cover? That would be a good start. Knowing which guy you’re supposed to cover would be another.

Rushing Offense…

Alabama was supposed to have one of the best corps of running backs in the nation this season. Well tell that to the 41 teams in front of them. Talk about not living up to their advanced billing! But it might help if the offensive line would open a hole now and then and try and help them find a little daylight. Talk about a disappointment. And most folks think this is wonderful offense… Well you don’t have a wonderful offense with 41 teams ahead of you in rushing.

Field Goals…

Well it’s still hold your breath time whenever Alabama lines up for a field goal. With 66 teams in front of them this is a team that a little consistency. It’s a good thing that there haven’t been any games decided by a late kick yet, I don’t think your fan’s hearts could take the pressure of having to go through that.

Punting…

Out of 130 teams in our division, only 10 do a worse job than Alabama in punting. What a joke! Can you say sucking out loud with a capital S? Can we please pick up the pace here? I mean with all the talent this team amasses, you’d think they could find somebody to punt to darn ball well. I mean if Rice can have the number 11 punter in the country, why can’t Alabama?

Rushing Defense…

Remember when Alabama was good at this? I do, why doesn’t this year’s team? Let’s not just talk about how bad they’re doing nationally this season, but even in the SEC they’re not one of the leaders. They’re only 7th best in the SEC! Did they forget how to tackle or are they just letting the offense do the work and going through the motions themselves?

Hey, I could go on, but I don’t want to get flagged for piling on. So to this team I implore you, quit reading the scoreboard and headlines and concentrate on the little things you’ve obviously overlooked so far this season. Get to work and listen to your coaches who see the mistakes you’re making and try and figure out to fix them. Just get better would you?

Ok coach, I gave it my all. I dissed the dirt for you and here’s the article you wanted. I mean, you’ve done a good job us and when you ask a little something from the press corp, they should at least give you the effort you want, so here it is. And if you’re really happy with it, I have some friends I’d like to get national championship final tickets for since I’m sure you’re going to be there. I mean, who can top this team? Oops, sorry….

Larry has been published in almost every media outlet for college sports and now primarily writes here for Touchdown Alabama. Follow Larry on Twitter for inside thoughts and game time comments at https://twitter.com/LBSportswriter

THANKS FOR SHARING THE LINK TO THIS STORY ON YOUR FACEBOOK, TWITTER, SNAPCHAT, INSTAGRAM OR OTHER PAGES OR A FACEBOOK GROUP YOU BELONG TO. PLEASE SHARE!