🏈 Christopher Walsh: Nick Saban's Biggest Challenges for Crimson Tide in 2014

[BAMANEWSBOT]

It’s not easy being Nick Saban.

He led all coaches with four national championships during the BCS era, three at the University of Alabama. When his team loses two games, the whole offseason turns into “What’s wrong?”, with critics claiming that there are cracks in the dynasty even when it was just one play short of a perfect regular season.

It’s pretty much the same as what was said after the 2010 season, when Alabama, perhaps the victim of its own success, lost three games and for the only time since 2007 didn’t play in a BCS bowl. The Crimson Tide responded by winning the next two crystal footballs.

Alas, it’s a new season, which brings new challenges, and the coach is making sure that his talented team is hearing every criticism and doubt. He knows better than anyone that such negative talk can only spur the Crimson Tide.

Although the goal remains the same, to continue winning championships, here are 10 of those challenges for the 2014 season:

1. Beat Auburn
2. Reclaim Swagger
3. Find the Next Starting Quarterback
4. Dominate Again Defensively
5. Run, Run and Then Run Some More
6. Stay Healthy
7. Kill Concerns About Spread/No-Huddle Offenses
8. Keep Everyone Involved
9. Coaching Continuity
10. Qualify for Inaugural Playoff

Details on each category here:

 

[XXL TideFan]

I hate it when they say we have to get our "swagger" back.

 

[TerryP]

I hate it when they say we have to get our "swagger" back.

Agreed. It's one of the most misused words in our language. Try explaining why to people! As soon as you get into mentioning "it's the etymology of the word" you realize they likely don't understand what etymology means...

I have to assume Walsh is writing to an audience.

 

[bama alum]

So beating the barn is more important than establishing a QB? I guess he's thinking like so many others that Coker's the man.

 

[TerryP]

@bama alum That's another reason I mentioned he's "writing to a specific audience." I hold out hope these are listed in order of importance. If they are, #10 is my #1.

 

[bama alum]

@bama alum That's another reason I mentioned he's "writing to a specific audience." I hold out hope these are listed in order of importance. If they are, #10 is my #1.

It has to be!