You can read it here every Monday the tide goes outSo, we're going to cover another topic about the Crimson Tide, giving you an overview of the previous game, a preview of the next game, and everything in between.
In this week's edition, one week after the Rose Bowl loss, we get to put this season in perspective as Michigan and Washington State meet tonight for the national championship. Do you think this year was a successful season for the Crimson Tide?
If you had asked me this question five years ago, or even three years ago, the answer would have been a resounding “no.” Ever since Nick Saban was at Alabama after his first two seasons, success in Tuscaloosa has been measured by crystal balls and CFP trophies.
But in a year like 2023, given everything that went into it, the state of the team in mid-September, the downturn in the situation, the question “Was this a successful season?” and the subsequent The answer feels more nuanced than the question, “Did Alabama succeed?” Will you win the national championship? ”
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For example, not only did the Tide lead the SEC and remain undefeated, but even after losing in Week 2, they won 11 straight games, and every game after that was a season. Every game is do or die, and until the Rose Bowl, Alabama always answered the call.
No, it wasn't always pretty, and there were times when I got lucky. But there's something to be said for a team that plays every week and wins 11 straight games with the season on the line.
Alabama also ended Athens' reign of terror and prevented its rival from winning a third consecutive national championship. In the process, the Tide won its ninth SEC title under coach Nick Saban and qualified for the College Football Playoff, which seemed nearly impossible in mid-September.
That being said, Alabama had a chance to shut out Michigan, but was unable to do so. They just couldn't take care of business on the biggest stage they played on all season.
In the end, the University of Alabama fell short of the goals it set at the beginning of the year.
That being said, success is measured in national championships in Tuscaloosa, and it would be hard to argue that it wasn't a successful year for the Crimson Tide.
Nick Saban has set an impossibly high bar for himself and, by extension, his fans. No one was happy with the final result, but there's nothing to worry about for Alabama this season.
Michael Brauner is a senior sports analyst and contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP
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