That's why this really doesn't bother me very much (other than having to listen to a bunch of mouth off of cool and good looking people). You can call it whistling through the graveyard or whatever, but I don't see any reason to panic.
Saban has done exactly this at every job he's been to (except Miami where he was grossly in over his head). He comes in and stinks it up the first year because his talent is comparable to the other teams in the league. He has the luxury of going out and promising the world to recruits for a year or two. So far, he has been gone before he has to make good on any of his promises.
Bottom line is, he is a coach that CAN'T win without superior talent. I heard that the great "Bahr" could take his and beat yours, then turn around and take yours and beat his. Saban couldn't do that in a million years. Even with the top ranked classes he brought in everywhere he has been, he lost at least three games every year except one.
Between Saban's promises and the Red Elephant Club, this year could be expected. The only thing that happened today is that the stakes got A LOT higher for Saban. The rank and file were getting pretty testy over the way this season turned out but he had several convenient excuses. If next season isn't MUCH better (I'd say at least 9-3), their feelings of joy on this day will have long passed into history.
So, congrats on your class, Bama. I really mean it
