Alabama Football: About the Bama 'not as talented' claim

There has been an Alabama Football storyline that has prospered since the Texas and South Florida games. It is that the 2023 Alabama Crimson Tide is not one of Nick Saban's most talented teams. In September and October, a companion theme was the roster, though filled with highly regarded players, was not championship quality.

There is possibly nothing more capable of motivating Alabama football players than to state they are not of championship quality.

Notwithstanding Alabama's core motivation of always being a championship contender, the first half of the season provided many reasons to doubt the Crimson Tide. A big reason why much of the doubt has faded is Nick Saban, who is doing the best coaching of his extraordinary career.

Alabama Football: Talented Enough to Win a Championship?

Maybe the question should be posed to Josh Heupel, Brian Kelly, and Kirby Smart. Unless they are too jealous, to be honest, their answers would probably range from a simple yes to the Crimson Tide being the best bet to win it all.

What so many are getting wrong about Alabama is that the Crimson Tide has not only built on its strengths, it has also shed almost all of its weaknesses. It is pointless to use the Tide's early performances as a measure of how good Alabama is now.

Crimson Tide Weaknesses Turned Into Strengths

• After gaining experience in an Alabama football offense tailored to his skills, Jalen Milroe has blossomed. He has grown from an early season question mark to a QB that is one of college football's most explosive threats.

• Kadyn Proctor and Jaeden Roberts have solidified two spots that were early season weaknesses on the offensive line. Proctor can now hold his own against speed rushers and Roberts might be the Tide's most physical blocker. The offensive line at guard and tackle has become what many predicted in the preseason - maulers. Add tight end Robbie Ouzts to the mix and the Tide can dominate defensive fronts.

• Going into the season the Crimson Tide secondary was doubted. Except for Kool-Aid McKinstry, the Alabama defensive backfield was believed to be vulnerable. Instead, the Tide secondary is arguably the best in college football. Avoiding Kool-Aid by picking on Terrion Arnold has proven to be a stupid strategy. Malachi Moore is having his best season. Jalen Key has been solid and Caleb Downs is one of the best freshmen defensive backs college football has seen in many seasons. Plus the Tide has depth. When needed, Trey Amos has performed at a high level.

• In addition, James Burnip improved significantly from last season and has become the SEC's best punter. Paired with the outstanding Will Reichard, Alabama has the best duo of kicking specialists in college football.

Add the Crimson Tide's talent at linebacker, defensive line, wide receiver and running back, and the Alabama roster is clearly championship-worthy.