In search of preseason preview

by pantsfucious on Nov 16, 2008 1:13 PM CST

Specifically, I remember reading an article that discussed the 5-6 elements of teams likely to make the jump to championship contender. It was stuff like "x" number of returning starters, senior QB, etc. and the person writing the article simply checked off which teams qualified and which didn't, irrespective of preseason polls and expectations. Anyway, Alabama was one of the teams and I remember we all sort of chuckled because it was borderline delusional to consider a BCS title game when we were coming off a 7-win season. But now I'd like to read that article again with the benefit of hindsight and see if the issues discussed have indeed been critical to our success and how teams that haven't had expected success fit into these 5-6 categories. Also, it might be fun to project ahead to next year.

If there's one place where I'm sure I can find someone who knows what I'm referencing, RBR is the place. For what it's worth, I'm pretty sure I read this online, so it should be something we can link to.

Thanks in advance, LD

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I’m pretty sure this is the one you’re looking for

http://www.sundaymorningqb.com/2008/8/1/584545/anatomy-of-an-underdog-08

by Watchman on Nov 16, 2008 2:02 PM CST reply actions

Awesome, thanks

That’s the one! There may actually be another variation of this article floating around, but this is the one I remember. Funny, too, because as I was driving around today I started thinking that Texas Tech might have been another of the teams. Interesting that the predictive value of the combined factors is probably nil. While Bama and Tech are atop the standings, Wisky, Illinois, and South Florida are in tailspins, and Wake and Colorado are running in place. Still, it’ll be interesting to apply this criteria to next season, following your normal attrition, including graduation, recruits, transfers, injuries, player development from one season to next, guys getting booted for legal transgressions, etc. All that being said, the fact that #1 and #2 on the list is pretty impressive.

"That rug really tied the room together."

by pantsfucious on Nov 16, 2008 3:15 PM CST up reply actions

We fit...

…all the criteria except for 1-biggest win(s) at home. Our kick-ass run defense is #3 in the nation, averaging 2.80 per carry. Certainly we have the “big hire” in CNS. Upward trend over the last 2-3 years undoubtedly. Senior QB. We have the bonus of not 1, but 2 spanking new additions in Julio and The Legend. Dr Saturday said “I failed to predict the unsung teams that actually came the closest to pulling off the surprise run” in 2006 and 2007. He didn’t predict us this year, but he wanted to – “I would give Alabama a strong endorsement under Saban 2.0……if it didn’t have two killer trips to Athens and Baton Rouge”. Oh ye, of little faith.

"I hate everything orange"
It's all about Crimson - ROLL TIDE!!!

by bamavicki on Nov 16, 2008 3:09 PM CST reply actions

I saw

one on Rivals.com that had some of the following criteria if I remember correctly:
-Top 35 Defense with six or more starters returning
-a senior quarterback
-had a winning season
-Top 10 recruiting class

I know the article you’re talking about because I, probably like you, was shocked to see Alabama listed as a contender. But under the criteria the writer used (which I think was the criteria every national champion since whenever had met) we were one of the six teams. I remember Kansas was on there also and the article I read was not on a blog it was on Rivals.com.

by Bamagrad on Nov 16, 2008 4:51 PM CST reply actions