Something more than revenge must motivate the Alabama Crimson Tide against Florida State. For Bama's Saturday clash with FSU, the word most often used to describe the contest has been revenge. For the Alabama staff and the players who suffered the defeat in Tallahassee last September, payback is no doubt on their minds.
This week, Kalen DeBoer said, "I know there's a lot of guys, including our staff, that certainly know what it felt like last year walking off that football field." The loss was not just humbling to the program; national media portrayed it as a tipping point, from which the Crimson Tide might never return to grace.
DeBoer also cautioned that revenge emotions must be properly channeled. "I want it (Saturday's FSU game) to be about us and our improvement in this season as far as what it truly is inward on us."
Alabama still focused on Process
Though not elegantly stated, DeBoer's perspective is 100% correct. Saturday's game needs to have nothing to do with what Alabama was last season. Instead, the Crimson Tide must focus on playing to its standard of achievement. Playing 'to' a standard must begin with the Crimson Tide 'rebuilding' its tarnished standard. Opposing teams no longer fear Alabama. No single game can change that. What is required are building blocks to success: next game, followed by next game, followed by next game. A progression of success, leading to the Crimson Tide putting the college football world back on notice again.
It is unlikely that six national championships in 12 seasons will ever be replicated; not by Alabama or any other program. Alabama can become Alabama again, well short of Nick Saban's extraordinary accomplishments. The Crimson Tide just has to win No. 19. Will Alabama do it under Kalen DeBoer? Though he does not articulate it as well as the GOAT, DeBoer believes, like Saban, in process producing success.
When Alabama beats FSU on Saturday, it will not be because of revenge, but because the Crimson Tide has been accountable to the process of becoming its better self.
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