🏈 Saban Teams vs Shula Teams, et al...

c5vetman

Member
The one thing, besides the obvious depth and talent differences, that I've seen between these Saban teams and the previously Coached teams has to be heart. I know we've got a lot more talent and depth than we've had in decades probably, at least since '92, but these kids play for a full 4 quarters, no matter the score. Used to, that 4th quarter was a coast, we either lost leads, or couldn't come back. Now, we go in fighting, sometimes more in the 4th than in the first 3 quarters. That's is what I think, IMHO, that will get us our next championship. Something that the previous teams were lacking.

Any opinions as to why such a difference? Is it just the depth? The talent? The coach? The conditioning program? All of it?
 
I don't think too many will think different from what you stated. The conditioning has been hard as hell on them and put them in position to pound peolpe in the 4th quarter. It goes back to the better coach idea. With CNS, he has upped the anty and expectations of his players and coaches. He wants to keep the fans realistic and calm but he is pushing those guys toward greatness.
 
Shula recruited some great players (McElroy, McClain, Upchurch, Coffee, Andre etc.) but his discipline and offense left plenty to be desired. Coach Saban is simply doing EVERYTHING bigger and better. With the exception being at kick off coverage! WTF?
 
Shula recruited some great players (McElroy, McClain, Upchurch, Coffee, Andre etc.) but his discipline and offense left plenty to be desired. Coach Saban is simply doing EVERYTHING bigger and better. With the exception being at kick off coverage! WTF?

And I hope that's just a matter of time. Our defense has been pretty good, and our offense better than expected, so that one little area needs work, that's a statement that we haven't been able to make in a while, either.
 
Speaking of the offense...My goodness at how they look this year! I almost think Julio sitting this next game is a huge plus. I mean we already know what he can do so why not let McCoy come in and get 100 yards...Maze...Hanks.....I think this offense firing on all eight cylinders can beat anyone on our schedule and then some.
 
If one word could describe the difference it would be discipline. You either become part of the process or you don't see the field.

To me the great testimonial for Saban is that several Shula players who weren't highly recruited have become very good players under Saban. Reamer and Anders on defense and Drew Davis on offense come to mind, but I am sure there are others.
 
The difference is mental toughness hands down. Not just physical domination. Shula just did not have "IT".

Saban came in an changed the culture from top to bottom. He even gets after the fans. I love it.
Shula (from what I have heard) barely had control of the locker room.

That mental toughness pays off in the fourth quarter when your body is saying &*(@ you but your mind is going NO WAY I AM STOPPING!!! That is a system that Saban uses and believes in. It carries over to the players. Plus I think Saban is way more involved with his players, recruiting and on campus that Shula.

Shula teams just did not have that toughness.There just seemed to be some very selfish players on the field during the Shula area. Something Saban will not tolerate.:a:
 
CNS line play on both sides of the ball are leagues ahead of CMS. They are much more physical & better coached.

Intensity & focus on each play has allowed CNS to put in perspective to each player what they can on all the time. Also, not being complacent makes a big difference.
 
If one word could describe the difference it would be discipline. You either become part of the process or you don't see the field.

To me the great testimonial for Saban is that several Shula players who weren't highly recruited have become very good players under Saban. Reamer and Anders on defense and Drew Davis on offense come to mind, but I am sure there are others.


Ditto!
 
As I have mentioned in the Trickle down, the team is significantly changed. Game 1 and 2 went pretty much exactly as I expected. Mistakes kept the final score from being quite as bad in both games as I expected, but not by much.

We are getting outside of the "trickle down danger zone," and to the point that we can blow out medicre teams without playing well. In years past, we were struggling to beat them when we played poorly - even losing (La. Monroe). FIU 2009 is arguably better than La Monroe has ever been. They have several highly talented players.

It wouldnt surprise me to see a 50 point blowout this week.
 
Koz, I'll defend CNS and staff on that goof. Apparently, the one and only Penn Wagers didn't explain the penalty as to where it could and could not be applied as he should have. But hey, that Wagers for you.
 
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