1st year coach with a new system for these players. 1st year to see the SEC with this coaching staff. History of there simply being growing pains with first year staffs. The wildcard is certainly the program that CNS left CKD.
Quick glance at the moron Les Miles and he had an 11-2 season his first year. Just found the info on one of LSU's sites.
lsusports.net
If CKD loses two in the regular season, I believe Bama will be out of the SEC championship race. With 12 teams maybe that is still good enough to get into the playoffs this year with 12 spots.
All speculation and being conservative/cautious.
You're basing your arguments on another team. Out of all teams, you choose Les Miles..... as an example? First year, he had Jimbo Fisher as OC. DC: Bo Peleni
Those two losses: First one was against Tennessee in OT. 27-30. Tennessee was #10 at that time.
The next loss? in SEC Championship game against Georgia #13. They got their ass whupped.
Looking at the Standings in SEC that year... It was very hard division that year. In 4 teams playoff team, it's possible they could make the 4 team playoff, given how things were that year.
You picked the wrong argument to make your point though.
This year, the Roster for Alabama is more talented than 2005 LSU team. CKD has experienced coaches on the staff that can coach the hell out of the players and develop them. Not only that, but they also know how to call games. Then you have Saban lurking in the background throughout the season dropping in on film study with some players time to time... and You can bet your ass Saban will tell CKD and coaching staff what kind of tendencies Kirby tend to do, and etc.
I'm telling you right now, with few rosters moves in next few weeks, this is top 4 team heading into the fall. SEC Championship does not matter anymore with 12 team's playoffs. Just get in top 6 and they are fine.
Last year, I had concern about the team heading into the fall camp, and I wasn't sure how far we would get, and this team overachieved. They proved that they still had the ability to get into playoff despite their limitation. If Saban was still coaching at this time, I would be concerned about Milroe and his development. Under the new coaches, everyone is improving and thriving and are developing more than they ever did in the past. This is not a knock at Saban.
I'll say this: Look at Ohio State right now and Look at Alabama. Who does you think will likely dominate this fall?