Crimson Red Sports

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3ubrIrlmB0

I think most fans understand that there will be some growing pains when replacing three experienced NFL-ready offensive linemen with three guys making their first starts.  I think we also know by now that Saban approaches games as an opportunity to learn what needs to be fixed in The Process, not as opportunities to showcase what a great team we have.  A comfortable lead, which we had early in this game, gives him an opportunity to work on what he wants to work on rather than just scoring points.

This team isn't anywhere near where the team was at the end of the season last year but I expect a lot of maturing these next two weeks. I think the team will be just fine as they mature and get a little better each week of the season. The question is, can the fans accept the ups and downs that we will probably see this season until the young ones mature some, because there will be some.  ;)

All this is true. In fact, one of the greatest strengths of the CNS approach is the demonstrable improvement that his teams make throughout the course of the season. in addition to the game planning, he somehow manages to work general physical and mental training into the team's weekly preparations.

Good observation Jamos, this team in not the team that won the National Championship last year.  I fear that we've become somewhat spoiled by the successes of the past.  This team has a lot of talent, but nowhere near the experience and maturity of last year's team.  That will improve as the season goes on. Coach Saban mentioned "unrealistic expectations", and I think he is right.  We as fans need to be a little more patient as these young players gain the experience and maturity they'll need to compete at the Championship level. 

There is usually great progress between weeks one and two and I our case, three. I'm betting that the team that shows up to play TAM will not resemble the team we saw Saturday.

Thanks, Jamos.  Indeed they're not the team of last year's end.

But remember game #2 (Western Kentucky) of last year?  We had just 103 yards rushing against them (and 200 passing, mostly dink passes).  Alabama's star-studded offensive line held a 45-pound-a-man advantage over Western Kentucky's defensive front, but WKU still sacked McCarron six times. The Hilltoppers were 40-point underdogs.  Just like the VT game, AJ played almost the entire game, despite the big lead.

Despite that poor performance, the team turned out okay!  I'm disappointed, but not worried.  Sometimes a team needs a poor outing to dedicate themselves to excellence.
Yes, I bleed crimson.   :-*

Good reference. I'd almost forgotten about that game. I expect there will be some good intense instruction going on between now and September 14. I'm not worried.  :popcorn2:

I agree, I think it was the best thing that could have happenned to them being that they are so young and inexperienced. The only concern I had was AJ, he has had a foot issue for quite some time and it seemed to affect him Saturday night. :-\

I think there was a prayer meeting in the offensive meeting room. CNS has their full attention.
That said, this team is very young on offense. The line play was probably not what we fans were expecting. Coach told us they were a work in progress. I believe there will be some growing pains. Lets hope they kick Tam in the butt.

Not to Dog out sims, but does anyone think he will be the starter at QB next year?

so why arent we seeing Morris?

This is not last year's team.