It is usually a preseason or an early in the season problem.
Alabama football is nine games into the campaign, but it does not know what it is.
Coach Nick Saban told reporters in preseason camp that this team has to find its identity.
The Crimson Tide has put together some good performances, but its offense and defense have not been on the same page. Despite this, the College Football Playoff Committee has Alabama ranked at No. 2.
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Arkansas and Auburn are the last Southeastern Conference opponents on Alabama’s regular-season schedule. Both matchups are important, but Saban wants an identity found before then.
He would like for the Tide to locate its chemistry before a potential SEC Championship showdown with Georgia. Alabama hosts New Mexico State on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
It has a chance to prove it can be dominant.
However, the question is how bad does the Tide want to be great? On Thursday, Saban explained the importance of finding chemistry quickly.
“We’re still working to try to find that chemistry and identity on this team where we can play consistently, and we need to do it now,” Saban said.
The players for Alabama can show themselves how much they want to be the best this weekend. It is better to find an identity late than never, but timing is running out for the Tide.
Saban feels a sense of urgency, and hopefully, the student-athletes do too.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
