Let’s be honest, believing in an Alabama Football comeback was extremely difficult yesterday. In three-plus quarters of football, there was no indication the result would be anything but a crushing, embarrassing defeat.
Nick Saban’s players hung tough. When it mattered most, they believed enough for the entire Crimson Tide nation. In the end, after four overtime periods, it was arguably the Tide’s greatest Iron Bowl comeback ever.
The Crimson Tide defense was outstanding. For a day or two, at least, Pete Golding earned some respect from Alabama fans. Bryce Young, harassed and battered by a tough and determined Auburn defense, proved he is Heisman-worthy. There were many white-clad Crimson Tide heroes, but there can be no doubt without the leadership of Young and Will Anderson Jr. – the comeback would have never happened.
Sunday should be reserved for celebrating, but the challenge ahead demands immediate attention. The Georgia Bulldogs deserve their No. 1 ranking. The Crimson Tide will have a rare experience of being the underdog in Atlanta.
In the Iron Bowl, little was shown by the Crimson Tide to suggest a victory over Georgia. In the game’s first half, the Tide had more punts than first downs. Take away one 37-yard run by Brian Robinson Jr. and for the game, Tide running backs rushed 24 times for 61 yards – a paltry 2.5 yards-per-rush average.
Every Alabama fan knows, as good as Auburn’s defense was yesterday; against the run, the Bulldogs are better. It will take more than belief to beat the Bulldogs, but they can’t be beaten without it. In that, the Iron Bowl game was a blessing. Every oddsmaker will suggest otherwise, but in the minds and hearts of Alabama football players, there will be confidence in the outcome of the SEC Championship game.
As the favorite, Georgia will be the team playing with the most pressure. While the Bulldogs can lose and make the Playoffs, the looming presence in every Georgia mind is the Crimson Tide ‘elephant’ the Bulldogs have not been able to conquer for almost a decade and a half. The heaviest load of that pressure will fall on Kirby Smart. There is reason to believe Smart is not now, and never will be, up to the task.
Alabama fans can and should celebrate the Iron Bowl win now and forever. The Crimson Tide football staff and players do not have that luxury.
At least one college football coach is ready to put the Crimson Tide in the final four on Selection Day. Last night Lane Kiffin tweeted to Nick Saban “good luck in the Playoffs.”