There are three things Alabama Football is most known for: championships, arrogance, and the lack of patience of its fans. While those outside the Crimson Tide Nation decry the arrogance, detractors receive a 'what's your point' response from Alabama fans. Lack of patience presents problems, but it is almost a given for a program that measures every season by a national championship.
Alabama Football, and not just the fans, may need patience this fall. Opening the SEC schedule on the road in Athens, GA, might be a too-early challenge. Alabama will go into the game with a still unproven quarterback. The Florida State and Wisconsin defenses will provide only some seasoning.
Using Phil Steele's ranking of position groups, FSU has the No. 25 group of defensive linemen. The team's other five defensive position groups rank from No. 29 for FSU's defensive backs to Wisconsin's defensive backs, ranked at No. 53.
Alabama's expected QB starter, Ty Simpson, should not have to be great to beat FSU. He only needs to be steady and not replicate any of last season's feast or famine offense. Going against Georgia's defense in Athens will be a different situation. It will be like nothing Simpson has ever faced. There are reasons why Alabama can beat Georgia, but Ty Simpson having a superstar performance is not one of them.
Alabama Crimson Tide fans will not be patient. Simpson and the Alabama football staff must be. Beating the Dawgs in Athens would be glorious, but not doing so would not in any way derail the season.
Alabama Football Advice
Good advice comes from former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron, "... there's going to be bumps along the way. Ty's biggest hurdle is going to be managing as much as possible. Manage these bumps... He’s a very smart kid, but you also don’t want to put this pressure on him that he has to be perfect and can’t make any mistakes, especially early in the season, and all of a sudden you wreck this kid’s confidence."
Simpson appears to be a young man with a reservoir of resolve. His patience in waiting for his turn attests to that premise. No doubt he aspires to greatness. But for the Alabama Crimson Tide, such greatness does not have to come early. It may not be added at all. A 'good' Ty Simpson may be enough for Alabama Football to contend for its next championship.