The best version of Nick Saban and Alabama football is the one where both have to prove themselves.
After enduring two losses to Tennessee and LSU, people have written off the Crimson Tide. National media have written off Saban’s dynasty of championships, stating that his run of excellence is over. Alabama is out of the Southeastern Conference Championship run and ranked No. 9 in the College Football Playoff rankings. It has a slight chance of making the SEC Championship Game if it wins out the rest of its regular season schedule and LSU loses to Arkansas and Texas A&M.
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Tide players have spoken all week about how the team still has a lot to play for.
They have an opportunity to prove that in Saturday’s matchup against Ole Miss.
Coach Saban and Alabama must make a statement and have a convincing win over Mississippi. The outside noise is stating how the Tide is no longer feared or dominant in college football; however, Lane Kiffin knows that Saban is the most dangerous when he’s ticked off. Discipline will be critical for Alabama as it cannot afford several penalties on the road. It has to shut down the SEC’s top rushing attack and offset Kiffin’s offensive playcalling. Offensively, Bill O’Brien has to allow the Tide to establish an identity in the run game. Alabama’s had success all year running the ball, but O’Brien has gone away from it when it matters.
Bryce Young will have moments to take advantage of the Rebels’ secondary, but it starts with positivity in the run game.
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Physicality and execution must be in place for Alabama to have a productive game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. A dominant showing in Oxford (Miss.) will give the Tide confidence heading into the Iron Bowl and the offseason. This season has not gone Alabama’s way, but Saban and the Tide can send the college football world a message if it shows up huge against Ole Miss.
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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.
