🏈 Is There a Real Danger in Unrealistic Expections at Alabama?

[TerryP]

Expectations are high at the University of Alabama, and for good reason.


Alabama is coming off of its most successful season in years, with Coach Saban and his staff landing back-to-back No. 1 recruiting classes in 2008 and 2009.


So, it would be natural for fans to be, shall we say overzealous.


Some people might say, what is the harm in that?


In recent days Saban has been sounding a warning about the team's expectations.


Here is what he had to say...


"Anything that we did last year does nothing but put a target on our back for what this team needs to get prepared for," Saban said. "I doubt before last season anybody had Alabama as one of the teams to beat to win the West, SEC or whatever."

By Franklin Crittenden, a Bama fan with a submission to BleacherReport.com

 

[rolltidedrew]

saban's right, I mean with us losing three on the o-line, QB, and coffee, the beginning of the year will be rocky, but once the guys get game experience, we will be really good

 

[psychojoe]

CNS won't be able to keep a lid on it. I heard Lance Taylor say on Jox this morning that if the betting lines were to come out now Bama would be the favorite in every game.

 

[UAgrad93]

There are way too many variables that can come into play from season to season. Key losses at certain positions, injuries, dismissals, etc. all factor in to the type of season a team may have. As a grad and former walk-on, I want my team to win every game but realistically, I know things have to fall into place for them to actually have a shot at running the table. I think CNS tries to keep the fanbase level headed as possible so as to keep the players minds in to what is taking place.

 

[moreno_iv]

I think that is something that we will deal with year in and year out no matter who the coach is. He's been saying that every year and probably will have to say it every year from here on out. We expect a lot and he knows he has to keep the swell from rising too high, that is all.

 

[ElephantStomp]

I'm pretty sure when Coach Saban took the job he knew what he was getting into with the fan's expectations. I myself personally have never met any fanbase with as high of expectations as us.

I have expectations for this team, but last year means nothing. But, I do expect for our teams to be competitive and to not stink the joint up.

Cory

 

[TideAlum05]

You're damn right expectations are high next year. Yeah, we've got holes, Oline and FS mainly. But the schedule is probably one of the weakest SEC slates I've ever seen and I expect a win over VT. Why? Because VT has proven to be a fraud over the past couple of years and Tyrod Taylor can't throw.

 

[AFF]

Thanks to Franklin for his thought-provoking article. As he pointed out, Saban clearly sees two types of expectations. There are the expectations of the players at a high profile institution like Alabama and then there are the expectations of the fan base. Saban obviously understands that both team and fan expectations need to be healthy in order to have ongoing success in a program.

Coach is doing his part with the team by teaching the players that their expectations can only be met by taking on responsibility in the form of hard, physical and mental preparation and conditioning. However, he has limited control over fan expectations.

I like the point made about the danger of fan discontent turning into a cancer that hurts the program. We would all help Saban's efforts by taking to heart his comments and showing our support through good times and bad. I think most of us already do that. But, getting the ones who don't to change their attitude will be tricky, at best.

 

[Swamptick]

Expectations are and have been too high for the majority of Alabama fans out there.

I see it as a mixed blessing. On the one hand, high expectations usually will produce results sooner or later. On the other hand, they also lead to fanatic behavior and and oppressive environment at times.

 

[firestorm]

As the article says, high expectation stands out for big programs, and Alabama is one of the best on the gridiron. Our team comes from one of their most succesful seasons remembered (undefeated and number one 'till the conference championship game), and we're loaded for the current season with an impress defense, young talent and some outstanding offensive pieces which only need to be translated on the field with an offensive line under construction. I've always said if we'd build a steady offensive line, we're gonna content for everything. It's the only question mark on this team and I think it's reasonable our expectations are high for the uncoming season, because this team and coaching staff deserves 'em...

RTR,

 

[rammerjammer]

Good find Terry.


Some of the articles on bleacher report have too much of a fan bias and drives me crazy.........even if it is a Bama fan. This article while written by one of our own, IMO was pretty objective.


I totally agree with Frank's assessment of our O'line. I said his exact statement to a workmate the other day. Our issue is not talent on the O'line, but an issue of chemistry. Everyone points to our inexperienced QB, but Saban has stated it time and again. "A game manager". As long as McElroy doesn't have to put the team on his shoulders and carry them, we should be alright IMO. I think if our team can establish the run like last year, we should be set in the QB dept. That will take a ton of pressure off of McElroy and allow things to open up and not make him force throws.

Do I expect 12-0 this year.......to be honest no. But like most realistic fans I know. Bama can beat anybody they step on the field with now, simply based on the fact of who is wearing the headset on the sideline. As a college football fanatic, what more could a fan want for his team? That is all we have wanted for years. The swagger of beating the best of the best and being mentioned for the SEC and MNC every year. Doesn't mean we will win it, but it will me the road to the SEC will come through Tuscaloosa often.


RTR!!!

 

[Swamptick]

I'm pretty sure when Coach Saban took the job he knew what he was getting into with the fan's expectations. I myself personally have never met any fanbase with as high of expectations as us.

Or a fanbase as loyal and dedicated.

 

[Crimson&WhiteGecko]

This thread truly illustrates the paradox of a rhetorical questions...