Alabama Football: The State of the Crimson Tide Part 4

This last of a four-part series assesses where Alabama football is post-spring and provides an early look at what to expect from the Crimson Tide in the 2019 season.

A little housekeeping is in order at the start. Readers who have not read the first three parts of this series will find links to each one as you move through this post.

Content from each of the previously published posts is included in this concluding segment. The words written by Jonathan Waldrop, Ron Moody and Lauri Springer are in italics. Their interesting perspectives are worth a complete read in each of their posts.

What the four of us have tried to achieve in State of the Crimson Tide is to mix a look back to the national championship game, with an estimation of what lies ahead in 2019. As Jonathan said, prognosticating something specific about the 2019 Alabama football team before fall camp is tricky.

Our consistent theme in this series has been the national championship game did not represent a tipping point for Alabama football. The Crimson Tide was outclassed on one night. Many fans found that shocking. It was less shocking for those of us who paid close attention to everything Nick Saban said during the season.

The weaknesses exploited by Clemson did not suddenly appear on the night of Jan. 7, 2019. They were evident before. The vulnerabilities of the defense were numerous, though an explosive offense clouded the perspectives of fans. The offense, though explosive, was not always exceptional. Too often, in short-yardage situations, against top defensive lines, the offensive line failed to dominate.

Nick Saban will never make this complaint but Clemson also had a huge preparation advantage. That advantage came from not needing to worry about being challenged in the semi-final game. Maybe, and even this a stretch, Notre Dame was a top ten team.

The Clemson coaching staff did not have to devote all its time preparing for the Irish. Meaning extra time was spent preparing for the Tide. Not using Clemson’s preparation advantage as an excuse, Ron Moody wrote, last year’s championship game was the first time, I ever saw the Crimson Tide uncharacteristically unprepared for their opponent in Nick Saban’s eleven years as head coach.

Spending too much time trying to explain why Ron’s statement is correct is wasted effort. Nick Saban has made the needed corrections. A staff and a roster, not fully committed to each other, have been purged and cleansed for 2019.

Collectively, the 2018 Crimson Tide did not have what it takes to be a champion. Clemson did! The national, reflex response was a ‘The King is Dead’ argument. Suddenly, in the space of one night, Alabama football and particularly Nick Saban were no longer to be feared.

Jonathan Waldrop had the appropriate response. Let the rest of ’em write off the aging, haunch-challenged recipient of six national title rings. Dude still has plenty left in the tank.

There is much for the 2019 Crimson Tide to accomplish in what Nick Saban has basically called a rebuilding project for the defense. The ability to frequently pressure QBs while rushing only four must be regained. A secondary able to physically challenge top receivers is another must. Inside linebackers who handle their assignments and also lead by example is the most obvious must.

Nick Saban will not admit it, but the 2019 Tide has more depth on the defensive line and in the secondary. Plus, the depth at outside linebacker is exceptional. And different from last season, the Crimson Tide defense has a staff that knows how to teach them and drive them to excellence.

The 2019 offense with a healthy Tua can be even more explosive than 2018. The talent filling in at running back is equal or better to last season. The receivers are collectively the best in the nation. There is enough depth at offensive line for an actual competition to find the best five. By mid-season, if not before, the five best will be a physical force. In Ron Moody’s post, he made the reference, the 2012 offensive line whipped opponents until their ass quit. Such physical dominance is the goal again.

While Alabama football fans are justifiably holding their collective breath about the kicking game, early signs are we can breathe easier. Punts and field goals and extra points will improve enough to not be a major liability. It is possible punting and field-goal kicking will be a strength.

Lauri Springer provided the most important component of success in 2019. I’m not sure of anything Nick Saban enjoys more than not being the top-ranked team in the nation. Clemson’s weak ACC opposition gives it a strong chance to be No. 1 going into the Playoffs. Bear Bryant would have agreed, such a ranking situation would be perfect for a Nick Saban-coached Crimson Tide.

Lauri penned what we all believe when she ended her post as follows.

Saban may have referred to the 2019 season as a rebuilding year, but I believe it will be anything but. With a chip on their shoulder, lots of returning talent, and strong coaching, the 2019 season should end with another trip to the College Football Playoff. The state of the Crimson Tide is certainly strong.

Yes, indeed! The State of the Crimson Tide is strong and will grow stronger. Nick Saban will, of course, keep talking about youth and depth and his team being a work-in-progress. He will be correct but the schedule allows plenty of time for a rebuild of championship proportion.