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Harsin never had a chance...

     If reports from the knowing or perhaps the unknowing, Auburn intended to fire Bryan Hansin as soon as possible after the loss to Arkansas.  I normally don't meddle or even care about what goes on in Lee County. After putting their coach and his family through the wringer, Aubie gets rid of Harsin without a second thought. Harsin will get an immediate 7.5 million dollars later. I don't know what "later" means. Add that 15 million to the last couple of coaches on the dole and you'll understand why Auburn will get a decent coach in-house within a couple of weeks. On the Plains, you are playing with house money.

    Coaches get fired every year. Nick Saban may be the exception from the general rule that applies to every other NCAA coach. Hired and fired is just the beginning and end of almost every coach. Most schools have the decency not to drag a coach's family. What was that about? For a university that values "family values" hiring Harsin is a self-evident recognition that AU talks out of both sides of its mouth. So here the Tigers go again. They are shooting their foot. For the record, I have no real idea if Coach Harsin is a good coach. He might be. He was successful at Boise State. He had a "dead man walking" tee shirt from the first game this season. Auburn fans believed "he ain't from around here " meant something. It was never the lack of familiarity with SEC football that caused Harsin problems. It was a hard-core group of boosters who didn't want him. I believe they also hated Allen Green. 

     Instead of saying how well his team played against Alabama, the naysayers wanted to condemn him for blowing the game. An AU running back was tackled before he could make the sidelines. Bama went on to stage a Bryce Young-type comeback. It was as dramatic as Bo over the top. It takes a certain kind of stupidity to blame your coach for a player's mistake. That AU team looked dog-gone good that night. Auburn boosters couldn't stand that loss. I hope Bryan Hanson comes to Alabama for oblong rehabilitation.  Wouldn't that be ironic?  

   Auburn is unlikely to be Alabama. Auburn has a storied tradition. It seems to me that the Tigers believe they are on the same level as 'Bama. Not now, not soon, and perhaps not ever.

 And the beat goes on for the Tide...

    My late Grandfather, Russell, winner of the Silver Star for gallantry in WWI, remarked that Bear Bryant was a good coach, but he was no Wallace Wade. That is a prime example of comparing the "best" coaches in different generations. When he said that, many Alabama fans were hoping that the Bear would restore Alabama to Wallace Wade's years.  Coach Wade won three national championships in seven seasons will at the University. His 1925 win over Washington is still considered one of the greatest wins in college football history. That win was referred to as "the game that changed the South." The win propelled the South into modern America after the prolonged enigma of post Civil War problems. Wade left Alabama because of too much interference by State and Local political officials. Sound familiar?  Wade felt that a private school gave him wider latitude to coach with the distraction of elected officials. He negotiated a settlement with Alabama to name his own successor Alabama. 

     When Bear Bryant won his 6th national championship, there was an almost unanimous belief that no one would ever break that record. Once Coach Bryant retired and then died, it left a coaching vacuum at the Capstone. Before Bryant, the Tide had won five national championships. Five were by Wade, two by Frank Thomas. Gene Stallings won one, as well. 

      Winning a national championship was something done by the Crimson and White on a recurrent basis. Then came Nick Saban. Seven times Saban has won a national championship. One of those was at LSU and the remainder at the University of Alabama. Playing for a national championship is an almost orthodox occurrence. I'm lucky enough to have been a fan when Bryant and Saban coached. I am also lucky enough to hear my grandfather say that Wallace Wade was the best coach Alabama put on the sidelines. I went to the Gator Bowl in 1968. Next to me were two elderly Bama fans. They were as old as I am today. They cheered, "Bam, Bam, Bama." I asked them where they learned that. In the 1920's they said.  Later, the pair elaborated everyone started to say Roll Alabama Roll, and then it was Roll Tide.

     So, is Nick Saban the greatest Alabama coach in an illustrious Tide history? He might well be. The truth is we will never know. Perhaps Saban will win a few more, and then the argument for that status will be more clear cut. Three coaches have won multiple national championships at Alabama.  The truth might be they were all the greatest coach in Alabama football history. I won't disrespect any of them by elevating one to the lofty position of GOAT.  It really isn't necessary to do so. 

Note: Alabama claims it has won national titles in 1925, 1926, 1930, 1934, 1941, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979, 1992, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2020.

 

THE AP COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD NEEDS TO SOME WORK...

    Initially, let me say that I do not know Jamey Chadwell. The coach of the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers football team had a great season. They were undefeated until Liberty University beat the 37-34 in their last game of the year. None of this is relevant for Alabama football fans. I thought a Chanticleer was what Col. Sanders used to make KFC. Most of us had no idea that Coastal Carolina even played Division One football. Heck, I didn't even know they played football at all. 

    At any rate, the Associated Press named Chadwell is their Coach of the Year. Excuse me for a moment while I go to my bathroom and barf. Nick Saban didn't win it again. I stress the again part. Naming Chadwell Coach of the Year is like me winning in my senior golf league tournament, being named Golfer of Year, and leaving Dustin Johnson scratching his head. Now, none of this means that Chadwell isn't a good coach. You don't win 10 games and be a bad coach. 

     Nick Saban has won the award twice. Once, he was the head coach at LSU and then at Alabama. The AP Coach of the Year Award had been in existence since 1998. It has a long list of questionable coaches. In my opinion, the Coach of the Year should be awarded to the Coach, who wins the National Championship. Perhaps the award should be awarded after the conclusion of the College Football Playoff. The AP hands out their award the week before the National Championship game. That is short-sided. 

    Cinderella stories are well received. That is understandable. Coastal Carolina didn't beat ten SEC teams, and then the first game against Notre Dame. If Coastal Carolina played ten SEC teams, they'd likely lose all ten games. So, let's give Chadwell a pat on the back, and a hardy well done old boy, and then give the Award to the Coaches who win the National Championship or at least get their teams in the CFP. 

 Don't forget that the Irish are good...

     Please don't overlook Notre Dame. A word from the wise, or at least the nervous.  All the Alabama internet sites seem to be writing more about Clemson than the Irish. This may not be a popular position, but Notre Dame has a solid football team, and they could beat the Tide. Their offense is outstanding, and the defense isn't bad. Ian Book, the quarterback, is a good player. He's a senior, and he's had a lot of experience running the Shamrock's offense. And, excuse me for saying so. I'm not sold that Bama's defense has arrived. They seem to have improved, but after watching the Florida Gators dismantle the secondary, I am worried. Ian Book can run the ball when pressured, and the Irish use QB keepers as part of their offense. We know that Book can throw it as well.

    Who beats the Tide offense historically? A dual-threat quarterback, and that is what Book does. The Irish also have two excellent tight ends that made big targets. Remember the tight ends of Florida. I don't think the Notre Dame tight ends have the Florida players' speed, but they are outstanding football players. You don't win 10 football games in a year and not be solid. 

     I don't know whether the Irish getting beat in the ACC  Championship game will hurt or help the Irish. They'll want to atone for a sloppy game, and they think they can win the National Championship whether anyone else does. I know that the Irish hasn't played anyone who has the speed 'Bama does on offense or defense. The Notre Dame offensive line is big and strong. They are experienced. This game isn't going to be a cakewalk. Alabama will be ready to play. So will Notre Dame. It could be closer, or at least closer than you think.

    Beyond the obvious problems that Bama has on defense, we also have to wonder about Landon Dickerson's loss. He called the offensive match-ups, and he had an almost perfect senior season. His pass blocking was phenomenal, and no one is going to be as good as he is. The question is whether or the Tide offensive line can be good enough without him.

     Alabama had the nation's hardest strength of schedule. Notre Dame was 8th, which was far better than I had imagined before my research. Alabama's power index is #1, and no one is even close to the Tide. Still, the Irish are hovering around at #6. Upsets happen. I am old school. 

    

 Being a Tide basketball fan is tough...

    When you are an Alabama basketball fan, you learn to suffer but always hope. You hope for things you may never see. You try to believe in the future. It rarely comes true; you still return to hoping.  You wish for something that may never occur. Wait, that's not correct. You want something that probably won't come true. Still...

   You can always try to temper your expectations, but the love of anything makes that impossible.  Whether it's a woman or basketball, we all make horrible decisions. It seems we are incapable of being rational. For some reason, the suffering never eradicates our desire to see Alabama become a basketball power.  Take me, for example. I continue to believe that the next coach at Alabama will change things. I started loving Alabama when Johnny Dee coached the Rocket Eight. 

   I watched the longest shot in college basketball. George Linn launched a Foster Auditorium shot that went through the rafters and bottomed out 88 feet and 11 inches later.  The North Carolina head coach had the forethought to mark the spot.    Today, I still believe that Jerry Harper is one of the greatest Alabama players to lace 'em up. As a senior in '55-'56, he averaged 19 rebounds a game.  Think about that for a moment. Let that sink as the current vernacular of social media says.  

    Today, I think how good this current team would be if Leon Douglas walked on the court, or how about Roy Rogers?  There is always an enigma, isn't there? It is a puzzle we can't seem to solve.  Something is forever missing. We are one player short; we can't make free throws or fall one win short of making the NCAA Tournament. The ball is round, so it should bounce straight, but it doesn't. It is as if the laws of gravity conspire against us.  If Alabama basketball was a story, it would be a Grecian tragedy.  Perhaps the football team uses all the good luck up before the basketball season begins. I just don't know. 

   In my lifetime, I have seen the two great Alabama teams. The first would be the 1987 team coached by Sanderson. Derrick Mckey was the Alabama star.  The 1976 team was far and away  the best team Alabama put on the floor. A couple of years after that loss to Indiana,  I sat next to Bobby Knight in Birmingham, watching a hoop star the Hoosiers wanted to sign.  He told me that Alabama was the best team in the NCAA in 1976. He quickly added next to Indiana. He kind of threw in the next to Indiana part to cover his bases. In my opinion, Alabama has had three top-notch coaches. Those are John Dee, Wimp Sanderson, and C.M. Newton. Of the three, I'd put Wimp first. But it is a close call. Most fans don't remember Coach Dee. 

    I've been blessed to see a lot of things. I saw Wendall Hudson play his first game at Alabama. He was the first black American player for Alabama. I got to be friends with several SEC coaches I still call friends. I watched Alabama play all over the world. In the summer, the players invited me to play half-court games with them. I've seen some sad things. I went to Charles Cleveland's funeral.  What a pleasure knowing the players and coaches. I used to radio shows with Ben Cook and Herb Winches. It was to promote basketball because it was the red-headed child of Alabama sports. I started a blog for basketball fans.  It still it. 

   None of this means Alabama can't be better again. After all, hope springs eternal. It will cause me suffering but perhaps brings me joy. It is a cross that Alabama basketball fans carry. Roll Tide and Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to you and your families.

An extraordinary year for Tide fans...

     Alabama fans have enjoyed a special season of football, haven't we? If Alabama wins the national championship, I will elevate special to magical. How lucky are we to have seen Mac Jones and company light up 11 SEC defenses?  The Tide left them crying like babies. Nothing like that has been done by any team in the conference. I doubt we will ever anything like this again.

      The Crimson Tide has three players worthy of winning the Heisman Trophy. We know that Mac Jones and Devonta Smith were named two of the four finalists invited to New York or at least to virtual New York City. Jones and Smith set records for their performances this year. Najee Harris was 5th in the voting, but his season was just as good as the finalists. The other two finalists are Kyle Trask of Florida and Trevor Lawrence of Clemson.

     Let me quickly say that Trask and Lawrence have had Heisman worthy seasons. Smith and Jones were better than worthy. They were phenomenal. I think Smith will win the award, and Mac Jones will be happy for him. He's that kind of guy. The truth is that the pair had an almost symbiotic relationship. Each might have enjoyed a great season without the other. Together, they set some records that may never be broken. All of us got to see them do it. 

     Nick Saban has said this is his favorite team. The brotherhood of this team was apparent. When Landon Dickenson was injured in the SEC Championship Game, the entire team flooded the field to show their concern. It was a touching moment for all 'Bama fans. There were some huge moments.

Here are some of my favorites in no particular order:

• John Mitchie's' tackle of a Florida DB. Oh my, those Canadians sure like Alabama, don't they?
• Devonta Smith's remarkable touchdown catch against LSU.  Say goodnight Ed.
• Mac Jones to Waddle on those long ones. Bombs away SEC, bombs away
• Will Reichard makes them all. Can we say, Mr. Automatic Man?
• The outpouring of respect shown by Alabama players when Landon was hurt.
• The same outpouring of respect when Landon stays in the tunnel to watch his teammates after his injury.
• Najee scoring five TD's in the SECCG - most ever for a 'Bama back
• Mac throwing five TD's in the SECCG - can you say 37 for the years
• Coach Saban and the Covid - He missed one game and came back
• Sark rumors of going to AU - Most worry I had this season

What are your best memories? Share them

    

 Time to stop the nonsense...

    It's time to end the nonsense about who is the SEC Coach of the Year. Jimbo Fisher is drawing some well-deserved accolades for his one-loss SEC season. When you finish 7-1 in the Conference, you've done one heck of a job. The only game the Fisher led Aggies lost was against Alabama. Oh yes, the always present Crimson Tide, the destroyer of dreams in the SEC.  Alabama beat Texas A&M 52-24. Looking back, the Tide didn't put the pedal to the metal in the second half of that game. Just when you think you have arrived along comes Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide.

     Nick Saban and the Tide did something that most experts said would never happen.  It was too much to expect any team to play 10 SEC games in one season and win each. Alabama did, and for good measure, they won SEC Championship Game, which brought the total to 11.  That game propelled the Tide to the number one see in the College Football Playoffs. 

    None of this column disrespects any coach or SEC program.   In a year of chaos and confusion, one program kept its eye on the ball. The season started, the process began, and Alabama won the SEC.  Nick Saban showed us that he is more than just a coach. He appears to consider each contingency and has a plan ready to address what happens. 

   The Saban defense isn't his best. He stuck with Defensive Coordinator Al Golding when most fans wanted his head on the proverbial pike. The defense improved. It's not incidental that Saban developed the most prolific offense in Alabama history. Sanban and Sarkisian built an offense that proved a perpetual motion machine is possible. Saban did this by hiring a talented Offensive Coordinator, a quarterback that no one thought could be a star, a skinny wide receiver, and a running back from California who chose to forego the NFL Draft. The offensive line is the nations' best. 

    Trust the process. Trust the process. Each play matters. The last play is over, and time to move on. Saban invented this mind-set or at least perfected it. Nick Saban isn't a great coach; he is the greatest coach in the nation, college or pro. How good is he? None of his assistant coaches who have moved on to head coaching jobs have ever beat him. 

    Nick Saban just reeled in the most extraordinary recruiting class in SEC history.  He devastated Texas coaches, including Fisher, by signing the best players in that State. He did the same in Florida. Alabama no longer has real arch-rivals. He has buried Tennessee. Georgia made a run but lost. Florida has fallen. Auburn is not significant.

The media should stop throwing awards to coaches who don't win the SEC.  The SEC Coach of the Year should go to the winner of the SEC. 

 Auburn coaching search tells us a lot...

 

Did Auburn jump the Shark ?

   You have to wonder what the Auburn AD had in mind when he fired Gus Malzhan. Surely, Allen Greene must have some idea of who Auburn would offer. There had to be a shortlist. Is it possible that a candidate has already been selected and the Tigers have their man already? If that is the case, it will likely be Kevin Steele, the current Auburn defensive coordinator. No other scenario makes any sense to this writer.

      If that is true, why hasn't there been a public pronouncement? The longer the Tigers take in hiring a head coach, the more it seems to the sporting world that no one wants to work in Lee County, Alabama. Or is it more than that? Could the Auburn family have come apart? Has my late grandmother called a serious argument? One point of unity seems to be everyone wanted Gus Malzhan gone. Mission accomplished on that one. 

    It appears that the division is pretty deep and desperate right now. When you offer the job to the UAB head coach, and he turns you down (if that really happened), you've got some problems. The Louisiana coach said no thank you.  What is it that causes candidates to say no way? I've got a few ideas.

1. The important thing that AU wants is someone who can beat Alabama. Good-luck with that. Here's what happens when an AU coach does that. Tuberville left after he beat Alabama like a dime-store drum. Gene Chizik got fired after beating 'Bama and winning a national championship. Malzhan beat Alabama more than any other SEC school under his regime. And,

2. If a head coach beats Alabama, the expectations sky-rocket regarding their status. If you go back 20 years, the Tigers have won only three SEC championships. Tuberville, Chizik, and Malzhan had one each.  One. That's all. 

3. Auburn never looks takes the long view approach. Win a national championship and get fired doesn't say much for patience. You would think the Tigers would understand that by now. 

4. Money. Auburn has to pay Malzhan 27.5 million dollars after firing him.  That's a lot of meals at the Omelet Shop. If reports are correct,  half of that is paid upfront. Auburn was paying him 6.85 million per year. Auburn is still paying other coaches for their buy-outs. Ouch.

5. Who's the boss? That seems to be the main problem at Auburn. Everyone thinks they are the boss. Everyone wants Auburn to be Alabama. That's lofty thinking but flawed logic. Auburn has had some real success in beating Alabama over the years but has never won the battle of reaching the pinnacle of having become Alabama. I don't see how they can do that soon, or perhaps forever. 

6. Or is it much simpler? Perhaps the "power brokers" just dislike Malzhan? Maybe Gus just never became of them. I suppose it has to take a lot of emotional effort to keep any family happy.

7. These reasons listed above might have the cumulative effect of Auburn hiring football Bruce Pearl.  A time might come a time when winning outweighs fairness and integrity. AU might very well hire someone who lives on the edge of ethical behavior. The name Freeze comes to mind.

     Those are all reasons that the Tigers are floundering right now. It has never been a lack of success for Malzhan. It is in the shadow of the University of Alabama. Christmas is this week. Perhaps Santa Claus will help the Tigers.  Don't hold your breath, brother.

ALABAMA WINS THE SEC...

     We witnessed the greatest quarterback dual in the history of College Football. Kyle Trask is a great quarterback. Mac Jones is better. It was a night that saw the University of Alabama team win its 11th SEC football game in one season. That is a record that will likely stand forever. In the most challenging conference NCAA conference, the Tide withstood every test. None was as more brutal than the 52-46 over Florida. 

     Think about it this way; Alabama beat every team in the SEC except Vanderbilt and South Carolina. Those would have easy wins. Now, the Tide turns its focus to the College Football Playoff. On Sunday, the Selection Committee will pick the four participants. Alabama will be number one. Clemson will rightfully be number two. I have no concrete idea which teams three and four will be. Whoever they pick will be controversial. Let the arguments begin.

     Final thought: Has there ever been three players who are worthy of winning the Heisman Trophy on one team? 

 'Bama seems ready to win the SEC...

 

  On Saturday night, the Crimson Tide takes on the Florida Gators in a much-anticipated conference game. I'll be honest; my feelings. 

Can Jones win the Heisman tonight?

about a championship game remains. If Alabama should lose the game, they will be 10-1. Florida will be 9-2. I rest my case. The Las Vegas experts set the line at 14 at the beginning of the week. The number is now 17.5 as of noon on Friday. 

  I haven't seen a single sportswriter pick Florida to win. Anonymous coaches have voiced in (kind of) and said that 'Bama is going to win. Some said it would be a mudhole type game. Have you seen a single prediction that doesn't show the Tide beating that line? I haven't.

THE HEISMAN HYPE

  One of the sidebars attached to the game is the Heisman Trophy competition. Initially, it was a Trask vs. Jones scenario. After the LSU win over Florida, the media has been projecting a Jones and Smith model. The ACC is pushing Trevor Lawrence. My gut feeling is Lawrence would need a career game against Notre Dame to win, and Jones would play a lousy game. Jones hasn't shown any reason to think he'd stump his toe on Saturday night. The Big Mac attack had a masterful game running plays against Arkansas. The Hogs dropped eight in the box and gave up over 50. It could have been more, a lot more. 

SMITH IS THE BEST 

 

Or will Devonta Smith win the Heisman?

 I think Devonta Smith is the best college player in the NCAA. He has redefined the wide receiver position. Smitty does so with seemingly little effort. The slim-reaper is an appropriate nickname for the destruction he causes. The cherry on the top for Alabama was seeing Devonta return a punt for a touchdown vs. Arky. If the Heisman voters stick to form, they'll pick a quarterback, and Jones is better than Trask, in my opinion. Trask is an outstanding quarterback. Jones is better. Keep in mind that Mac lost Waddle early on in the season. What would Alabama have done had Waddle remained? 

HARRIS WILL PLAY?

  Alabama would like to see Christian Harris return to the lineup. Harris got injured on the first defensive play against Arkansas. Evan Neal is unlikely to play. Harris is now day-to-day. According to Saban, it will be up to Harris to decide whether he can play full speed. Jalen Moody stepped in for Harris and played a great game, according to the coaches. The Tide defense has allowed fewer points per game than any defense in the SEC. The Tide offense has scored more than any team in the league. What does that tell you? 

 'BAMA WILL WIN

  It tells me that Alabama will win. Throw in Will Reichard, who has been perfect this season. He hasn't missed an extra point or a field goal in ten games. All indicators point toward a Tide win. I'm old school. I'll worry. I always worry about concocting a game of mishaps, luck, good for them, and bad for us. Logically, Alabama should win by at least 17. I'm picking the Tide to win 49-21, and here's why:

> Alabama's offensive and defensive lines are better than Florida's

>Trask will put up some numbers with his receiving corp

>Jones, Smith, Harris are Bama's three-headed monster

>No shoe-chunkers on the Tide defense

>Bama has the best coach

>Alabama's place-kicker seems locked in

>Devonta Smith might break a punt return for TD

    I think Florida is the best team Alabama has faced this season. They'll score some, and will move the ball. But it will not be enough to pull off the upset. When their season depended on beat a poor LSU team at home, they folded. 

 ROJAS LIGHTS A FIRE IN SECOND HALF...

 

   A thumbs up to Bamathor for posting that as we look back on this basketball season, it may well be that James Rojas turned the page for Nat Oats. Rojas turned vicious under the boards and on the floor to start a comeback against Furman. It seemed to me that JR lit a fire for the Tide. Rojas has gotten a lot of criticism from fans about his play. A torn ACL kept him off the court for over a year. Juan Gary contributed to the comeback as well. Gary is strong, and he can help the Tide under the boards. Of course, Herb Jones elevated his game in the second half. 

     You might recall my post at the end of the first half. Furman played a tremendous first half. They had won 25 games for the last two seasons and are a lock for the NCAA field o 64. In the first half, Petty, Shackelford, and Quineraly were 0 for everything. When your three leading scorers get shut down, you won't be leading. Alabama picked up their defense in the second half. Furman didn't get a lot of uncontested shots. The Tide took better shots in half two, and slowly Alabama overcame the ten-point Furman lead. Alabama took their first lead with 1:13 left on the clock when Rojas buried a three to give the Tide a three-point lead.

      The main reason Alabama won the game was winning the battle of the boards. Alabama had a commanding 49-28 lead on the glass. The offensive rebounds gave Alabama a lot of second and third shots that helped overcome shooting. Bama had 21 offensive boards. Furman had only 5

1. Tough defense and rebounding won the game for 'Bama.
2. The was only 50% from the free-throw line.
3. Quinerly strangely disappeared
4. Shackelford refound his touch in the second half. He is the dynamo for this team. He needs to play as much as possible.
5. Petty continues his slump. He will find his touch again. Shooters have to shoot. 
6. Oats is shortening his bench. That should lead to more cohesion on the floor.
7. Alabama will find itself in a war with Western Kentucky. Rick Stansbury will once again be on the sideline at Coleman.
8. Three years is usually needed to turn a program around. The boo birds need to shut up.

MVP OF THE GAME: tie between Jones s.and Rojas.

 AUBURN'S PROBLEM ISN'T MALZAHN

    The Auburn Athletic Director unceremoniously fired beleaguered head football coach Gus Malzahn after the Mississippi State game; History will note the Tigers won that game. The win moved Auburn's record to 6-4 for the season. Rather than allowing their Coach to finish the season and the recruits he was courting, AD Allen Greene showed him the door.

     The Tigers latest head coach joined the fraternity of failure at the Loveliest Villiage on the Plains. Auburn has a long list of coaching "failures ." I am not sure if the coaching failure is accurate. I think it Auburn itself. Shakespeare told us that "expectation is the root of all heartache."  The good folk of the Auburn family understands that all too well. It seems that seasons following seasons bear the truth of that statement. 

      Starting with Shug Jordan and ending with Gus Malzhan, the highest winning percentage of any AU coach is Terry Bowden. He won 73% of his games. Shug Jordan was the head coach at AU for 24 years and was the bedrock of AU Coaching, but won only 68% of his games. I could go on about the percentages, but suffice it to say that none won over three-quarters of their contests. It might be fair to say that Jordan and Malzhan coached against Bear Bryant and Nick Saban. That's true, but it would also be appropriate to note that AU hasn't been able to find anyone as good as Bryant and Saban.

    Let's go beyond the failure to hire a great coach. I think AU's problem is they cannot attract the number of players needed to build a championship program. That is something that isn't easy to reach. That's the problem that dozens of schools have. The Tigers have to recruit against Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Florida State to get players. A program like Alabama can go nationwide to find players. Auburn is still the little brother to Alabama. I'm not sure Auburn will be able to change that status anytime soon. It certainly doesn't seem possible until Saban leaves. That could be several more seasons. I bet Saban has a plan in place for his replacement. I think Saban will tell Alabama who to hire.

     Wishing and hoping is a sure disaster to build a program. The power of Alabama football is just too great right now. I don't think AU can hire anyone who wants to take on Alabama and Saban. Who would? It seems to me that every AU coach has someone looking over his shoulder all the time. That cannot be conducive to winning.

 DON'T REWARD THE ACC, PAC 12, OR BIG 10 ...

     Let's get straight to the point. OSU doesn't deserve a berth in the CFP. Writing that is going to upset a lot of people. None of them are going to read this, I suspect. It's all perspective. If you listen to a lot of the national media, you'd believe that the Buckeyes are the second coming.  My point isn't about whether the Big 10 team is one of the top four teams. In all honesty, I'm not sure anyone knows which four schools are the best. Well, maybe we all know Alabama is one of those teams, but Alabama is, well,  always Alabama. 

   I believe the more information the CFP committee has better serves the chance to select the participants. Right now, only one conference has provided information to make a case. That is because the SEC-mandated ten-game season provides the CFP the opportunity to see how good conference teams are.  When a team has to win 11 games, you learn a lot.  Here' what I learned the weekend. Alabama is one of the four best teams whether they win or lose the SEC Championship. It turns out that Florida isn't. A two-loss team, even one that might end up beating the Tide, will not be selected, neither should they.  Florida might argue they won the SEC crown, and that matters. They can also correctly declare they beat the number ranked team in the nation.  So that sounds pretty solid. So, I'll give the Gators this - The CFP can select Florida over a team that played six games and had to get their conference to change their own rules to play a championship game and count it toward the six-game minimum.  Ask Indiana if this is fair. 

    The problem with Ohio State isn't Ohio State. It is a conference that is allowing their recent decisions to circumvent their original decision.  What the Big 10 has done is unfair to other schools that attempted to play a full season.  Ask Florida if playing one other game was good or bad. I understand that the Big Ten wants to have a team in the CFP.  Southern Cal will play Washington in the PAC 12 Championship next weekend. The  Trojans might finish undefeated and win their conference. Do they deserve a berth? I think the Big 10 and PAC 12 chose a path that knowingly caused them to play fewer games.  The ACC decided that Clemson and Notre Dame a one-game break this past weekend, as well. That league hopes to get two teams selected. It is unlikely that both teams would have won their season-ending games.  It was unlikely Florida would have lost to LSU. Not only did the ACC act unfairly, but they made the CFP Committee's job even harder. Let's hope the Committee won't reward the behavior of the ACC, PAC 12, or BIG 10.

 BATTLE OF THE QUARTERBACKS...      

    

This year's Iron Bowl might very well end up being a  Mac Jones versus Bo Nix type thing. I don't know if Mac Jones will win the Heisman Trophy this season. I know Bo Nix won't. Alabama fans, at least some Alabama fans, ushered in the season, believing that Bryce Young would be the starter after a couple of games. Meanwhile, down on the Farm, Auburn fans were adamant about Nix winning the Heisman. Nix is a good quarterback.  Mac is a great quarterback. If you had half a brain and remembered how well Jones played after Tua was hurt, you had to believe he'd be the Alabama quarterback.   For Nix, it was more like a coronation. The King has arrived. The New York Athletic Club in New York awaits. All the other quarterbacks left. Some in disgust over what they thought was unfair competition. Whether those rumors are true or not, Nix got the job. Good, bad, or indifferent, Nix had the job.

    Mac just kept his mouth shut and worked his tail off to get to where get us today. People like to point out that Jones has the benefit of some great players around him. That's true. But I'd like to point out those players are lucky to have Jones as their quarterback. Alabama has a steady hand behind the center, and he will likely rise to the occasion today.  Nix has had a plethora of problems on the road this year. He's not at home. All of his poor games have been on the road. All of his interceptions have come on the road. He hasn't been a road warrior, but he is good enough to beat Alabama if the defense doesn't play a good game. If the Tide defense plays a great game, Alabama will beat Nix and the Tigers. 

       Here's what strikes me odd about the pair. Nix has started more games than Jones. The high school phenom from Pinson High School currently has a QB rating of 71.7.  Mac Jones, a good high school prospect, was not heralded, to say the least. His current QB rating is 95.7, and that is a huge difference. Nix and Malzhan will use trickery. They will have to do that to be competitive.  I'm not sure what Sarkazian might try on offense. My best hunch is that the Tide will stick to their tried and true. 

     In the long run, Nix will have to beat Alabama. I'm assuming all questionable players will be on the field. Auburn is a good team. Alabama is a great team. Nix is a good quarterback. Jones is a great one. I'm picking Jones to carry the Tide.

TIDE READIES ITSELF FOR AUBURN...

   

 When Alabama takes the field this Saturday, Nick Saban will not be present; however, I'm not sure anyone can ever avoid the presence of Coach Saban even in his absence.  I suspect Auburn will learn that this weekend. With or without Saban prowling and growling the sidelines, the Crimson Tide has too much firepower for the Tigers to win this game. 

     The Ironbowl, which is no longer about Birmingham's iron and steel laden history, has become a killing field for fans. I'm not sure which college rivalry is the greatest. But, the AU vs. UA game is the most bitterly contested. The winner gloats for a year, and the loser cries. Luckily,  the players contest the game with the utmost respect. Should the fans follow their lead? We should, but I doubt we will. We are all too heavily invested in our support. It is tribal, It is almost primal. We no longer want to just win. It is evisceration we covet. 

    So what happens on Saturday? The Tide will rely on talent. Auburn seems to have the corner on good luck. How many times will Alabama fans have to watch reruns of a pick-six, field goal attempts which go awry, some even returned for touchdowns, and blocked punts. Each of these banalities requires some talent, I'll grant Auburn that, but to Alabama fans, it's as if some god from the underworld arises to allow Auburn to win. Indeed, this season has seen referees (and I use that term lightly) give Auburn two wins they did not earn. In Alabama fans' eyes, the Tigers record should be 3-4 and not 5-2. It hasn't been the best year for officiating, whether it's a fumble called an incomplete pass or an offensive pass interference call so incompetent it has gone viral. When the teams take the field this weekend, the Auburn fans will understand they will likely lose, but Tide fans fear something akin to the Red Sea parting to somehow deliver another fortuitous win for the Tigers.  Be still my beating heart.

I like the Tide by 24.

Saban's best coaching job?

    That is a subjective statement. Considering the pre-season injuries and loss of Tua the Tide was still an elite team. The disrespect of Alabama was palpable and was ultimately proven to be incorrect. Pollsters were eager to dismiss the Tide. I predict another national championship for Alabama next season. Why do I say that?

1. Alabama is loaded with talent.

2. The Tide will just fine at Quarterback

3. Alabama's offensive line will be outstanding; and,

4. Running backs will be both pounding and explosive.

5. The Defensive line will be much better.

6. Dylan Moses will be back and the Tide defense will improve

7. Smith and Waddle keeps the Tide receivers at the top of the SEC.

    But the primary reason the Tide will win the national championship is that Nick Saban is the greatest coach in the nation. He was shown a lot of hatred by the national media. Saban is at his best when he is has been treated with irreverence. Saban has been written off by the media. Alabama has been treated like a yard-dog. I suspect that a lot of crows will be eaten by sportswriters next fall. 

The Good, the Bad, and the Obvious of the Iron Bowl....

     It's Monday following a horrible weekend. Like most of you, it pains me to see the Tide lose. This loss was more painful than most. I think we learned some things about this year's team. There are things we'd like to forget but a lot of things to remember.

THE GOOD: 

1. Mac Jones proved to me  he's a winner and a keeper. We all wondered whether Jones could weather the offensive questions surrounding him. One bad pass for pick sick, and another one of those Auburn miracles for another pick six. Sure, those hurt but Jones led Alabama to 34 points. That should have been enough to win the football game or any football game. Overall, I give him an A.  He performed far better than I thought he might. 

2. Is Jaylen Waddle human, or is he some being from another dimension?  Two outstanding touchdown grabs and two additional magnificent returns for touchdowns. And i thought David Palmer was great. I don't know what is beyond great but that's what Waddle is now. 

3. Najee Harris was shredded the "so-called" great AU defensive line. He ran for 146 yards. He literally ran over, around, and through the Auburn Tigers. He was the running back we thought he should be. Harris played to an A+ level in my opinion.

4. Jerry Judy, Henry Ruggs, and Devonta Smith keep the passing game intact and wide-open. These are the four greatest receivers on one team in college football history. It has been a pleasure and honor to watch them. Judy and Ruggs are sure first round NFL picks. Smith might be. I hope that Smith and Waddle will play on the field together in Tuscaloosa next season. I give them an A.

5. The offensive line played great. It was shame they couldn't play defense as well. The kept the Tiger defensive line on the heels most of the day. A.

THE BAD

1. The penalties killed the Tide. They have all year. Is that coaching, lack  of discipline, or something else. I would have loved to see Waddle get to return one more punt. I didn't understand why the Tide needed to substitute so many players for a punt. It wasn't the first time this season  this happened. F

2. Tackling has been abysmal this season. It didn't seem to get better as the games progressed. Auburn had far too many lanes to run in during the game. Very un-Bama like. Tackling is coaching. Period. Perhaps the Tide needs some new coaches on the defensive side of the ball. What do you think?  C-

3, Whenever we have a placekick or punt there is a feeling of dread wafting through the air. It is horrible. Bulavos improved during the season but missed the big one. our punter (Ty Perine) stabilized a bad situation. B

4. I thought Davis and Jennings had a good game. It was nice to finally see Davis live up to his hype. Barmore is getting better. And Xavier McKinney was stellar as always. I'd give them A

THE OBVIOUS

1. Alabama's need to play far too many freshman on the defensive line  of the ball hurt the Tide and cost any chance to reach the playoffs.

2. You would think a premiere program could have two outstanding kickers. Perhaps Perine will be one and Will Reichard the other. Perhaps. I'd be looking  for some walk-on players to find one. It is the same old same old each year it seems. 

3. Someone to teach tackling. Just plain old tackling. You know just a fundamental part of the football. How did this happen

4. And it is clear that Auburn has to use trick plays and manipulate the rules to win. It is the only way to compete with the Tide and they know it.  Here's a little treat.The AU win will save Gus Malzhan's job. I love that.

Post season game: word on the street is Bama vs. Virginia in the Orange Bowl. Some writers think it could be Bama at  Memphis in the Cotton Bowl. I understand that Bama does not want to be part of the Hurts vs.Bama hype. That match up would be unfair to both Jalen and Alabama. It would be fun to see two teams score over a hundred each.

FINAL THOUGHT - Alabama  football is well. This was a season where injuries and early departures hurt the Tide. All is well. 

 TUA IS INJURED AND HIS SEASON IS OVER... 

      Excuse me if words come hard today.  Tua is likely through at Alabama forever. We may never see his smiling face in a Tide uniform again. Alabama is a lesser team today. I’m not talking football skills, but rather about a young man whose heart exceeds his game. Tua was much more than a football player. In an age where anger seems to prevail, his personality made you feel good. Tua also made you want to be a better person. He will never be forgotten. He will always be admired and love. Tua will serve a guide to how all people should behave in a bitter world.

College football word hates ‘Bama…

    Let’s get straight to the obvious part.  The college football world hates the University of Alabama. It really isn’t ‘Bama fatigue. It is pure and unadulterated hatred. If you listened to LSU fans you probably get my drift. They were not just fanatical. They were more like a gumbo Klan rally. How can you blame the LSU fans for being happy. The Tigers played a good game. But the hatred spewed by their head coach was surprising. Orgeron's post game comments exemplify my belief. What can you expect from your fan base when your head coach spews such non-sense? Those poorly chosen words says a lot about the Orgeron. It also says a lot about Nick Saban.  Saban would never stoop to such lack of character. It seems as if we now live in a country where the people who we should respect give us no reason to respect them. Of course, having that type of reaction shows just how successful Alabama has become under Nick Saban. LSU isn't Alabama. Ed Orgeron and LSU will never be more than the antagonist in this gridiron drama. We all know that, and deep inside the LSU fans know that as well.  The Tigers deserve their jubilation. Let's give that to them with class. Who knows? Alabama might play them again this season. 

   There are not four teams better than Alabama this year. If Alabama wins their remaining games they deserve to be in the CFP. They lost to the #1 team in the NCAA by five points. It took an almost perfect night from LSU and a horrible night game by Alabama to see the Tigers win. No excuses for our Defense. They are full of outstanding young men but collectively they just aren't there yet.  I doubt they will be this season. The Selection Committee won't forget that, but they also can't forget the performance of the Tide offense can they? Or will they? Will the Selection Committee select the best four teams or will politics rear its ugly head. I'm picking the latter and not the former. There will be a lot of pressure to pick a West Coast team. Utah and Oregon will  make a strong case even if the entire world knows they are not one of best four. Baylor might go undefeated. Oklahoma will only probably only have one loss at the end of the season. I'd crown either the champion of enhanced flag football immediately.

   Alabama needs to score as many points as they can. The defense needs  to improve at least some. The Committee would notice that. So what do Tide fans hope for?

1. LSU needs to win the SEC Championship which would ...

2. Give Georgia its second loss.

3. If Oregon and Utah lose that would be Crimson Crazy,

4  but if they meet in the PAC 12 championship game a loss either is inevitable. 

5. Baylor is going to lose to Oklahoma or someone else...

6 And that leaves Minnesota who will lose at least  two more games. 

Alabama's main problem would be if the winner of the PAC 12 Conference only has one loss. I think there is going to be a lot of pressure on the Selection Committee to pick the winner. Is Alabama better than a one loss Oregon or Utah. Yeah, about three touchdowns better.