In discussing college football, there are few things I like less to do than agreeing with Johnny Manziel. After Alabama Football lost to Florida State, Manziel repeated what he (and others) had previously said about opponents of the Alabama Crimson Tide: "Ain't nobody scared of them boys."
Fear is not an emotion that serves football players well. During Nick Saban's greatest run in college football history, many opposing teams were duly apprehensive about matching the Crimson Tide's intensity and discipline. That does not mean opposing teams were filled with players who were afraid of Alabama teams. The Crimson Tide did have enforcers who could elicit fear in opponents. Rolando McClain was a good example.
Alabama Football Scared?
Fast forward from the McClain time period to now, and Alabama players are talking about being afraid, rather than making others afraid. On Tuesday, Crimson Tide outside linebacker Qua Russaw was asked to comment on the unit's performance against Florida State. His answer was, "I would just say it's more of guys just trying to do their job and a little scared to mess up."
Scared to mess up is different from being physically afraid. Though a response to both can be timid play, described by Russaw as "playing on our toes."
A lack of game experience can result in players hesitating before reacting. It is the responsibility of coaches to prepare players to react instinctively. Too many Alabama football players failed at that against Florida State. The result is more on the coaching staff than the players. The situation should not have occurred even in a season-opener. It cannot be a problem going forward, or the previously highly touted Alabama Crimson Tide defense will struggle.
The ULM game is not one to show if Alabama defenders are no longer afraid to mess up. The Georgia game will provide the test, and the Alabama Crimson Tide best be primed to do as Russaw stated, "We don't have to hesitate. Just go and just pull the pin. Just go."