I was fortunate enough to grow up in the 60's and 70's watching Coach Bryant run the Crimson Tide football team.  I didn't understand at that time the greatness I was witnessing, nor the legend that he was becoming, right before my very eyes.  He was highly respected by most of his peers and opposing players.  His ability to relate to others was probably unmatched by any other coach I've ever known (and I've had the pleasure of knowing some great coaches).  However, many today remember Coach Bryant (mostly those under 40) in some ways that are not accurate.  He was not a "three yards and a cloud of dust" type of coach.  He won his first three national championships with a pro style offense and some fairly decent QBs played in those offenses (Namath, Sloan, Stabler).  His move to the wishbone in 1970's was due in large part to the belief, by Bryant, that it was almost indefensible if properly executed.  He did not get all the top recruits nor focus his team on any one player, regardless of that player's abilities.  He was not the master of Xs and Os, but what he may be the best EVER at was motivating every player to give all they had (which was often more than that player thought he had).  His goal every year was not to beat Auburn or Tennessee or to win the SEC--it was to win a National Championship (all those other things would happen if the NC was obtained).  Now fast forward to Coach Saban.  He's not Coach Bryant nor should we ever ask him to be.  His philosophy parallels Coach Bryants, but is not exactly the same.  He will play freshmen at key positions, IF their understanding of the position and strategy is sound.  He recruits the best players that FIT his style (pro style, balanced offense/attacking, big defense).  But one thing Coach Saban and Coach Bryant both believe in vehemently, is "get the basics perfected."  

I have posted this to point out a contradiction that exists in some of you fans (by no means all, but definitely some). Coach Saban DOES NOT believe in Al Davis' "just win baby" concept of victories.  He understands that rarely can a team ride just the defense to an NC (92 Bama, 85 Bears, 2001? Ravens).  It doesn't happen often, and then only when a defense is TRULY dominating.  This year's Bama defense has had several dominant moments, but it is not the 92 squad.  We don't currently have 2 DL that will be drafted in the Top 5; We don't currently have a secondary that many "in the know" football people have said may be the best secondary ever fielded in the history of the NCAA (as they say concerning the 92 squad); the only area in which this year's team may have an edge is in the linebacking area, and only then if Hightower was playing.  I say all of this so that when you see Coach Saban talk about his concerns over the passing game, his QB, his offensive line, or his receivers dropping passes, it's because he realizes that you must have an "at least" sound passing game to have a solid shot at winning the NC.  So please don't maliciously rip some blogger who happens to mention that he/she is "concerned" with GMac's play, then turn around in another post and talk about how smart and great Saban is when Saban has said the EXACT SAME THING as the person you just ripped.  I used to hear that "run the ball, stop the run" and you'll do fine....Really?  Couple years ago I remember an NFL team (best of the best, remember) that finished the regular season No. 1 in rushing offense, and No. 1 in rushing defense--their record, 8-8.  Why?  Well, according to idiots like Parcells, Jimmy Johnson, Bill Cowher and others I heard comment on that debacle back then, "THEY HAD NO PASSING GAME."  So please, act like adults and allow someone to voice concerns without uber-sensitive fans (term I use loosely) tearing them to shreds.  12 NCs means we as fans should act like, "Been there, done that."