Jumbo Package Knows Saban Isn't Leaving, So Why Are You Listening?

No, Nick Saban isn't leaving

Good. I'm glad we got that out of the way.

I, like most, thought there was a little bit of fire behind all of the UT/Saban smoke signals.Was his ten-million dollar dalliance mere contract positioning? Probably not. He is a restless man, very driven to succeed. In Monte Burke's "Saban: The Making of a Coach," we discover there was some behind the scenes flirtations by one or both parties. And why not? Restoring another traditional power in Texas would have been the feather in his already impressive cap.

But, a pep talk/scolding from Ms. Terry, an amazing recruiting class, staff continuity, an unexpected SEC championship and an appearance in the playoffs have quelled any notion that Alabama fans are anything but grateful for the job he has done at Alabama - not just leading Alabama to the top of the heap again, but in fundamentally changing the culture of the athletics department.

There is also the simple matter that this season, more than in the past, Saban seems happy. He has concerns about his team, and is stressing themes of dominance and fundamentals, but he really enjoys his job.

Besides, any decision to leave Alabama belongs to Ms. Terry, and the Crimson Tide's Den Mother is going nowhere. She loves it here and is beloved in return. If Ms. Terry is upset, as she was in 2013, then you can be concerned. Until then, consider contrary opinions nothing but vague pot-stirring of the most trollish sort.

FootballScoop Predicts: Biggest Coaching Surprises of 2015

I can’t support it by reportable facts, and of course there is no pressure from the administration; but from folks in the profession, I keep hearing "Nick isn’t happy," "Nick seems miserable," "Nick is very frustrated," and I can foresee the very real possibility that Nick pulls the rip cord and ejects from Tuscaloosa after this season. Where that parachute will land, well, that has to play out, but I don’t suspect T-Town will be Nick’s final coaching stop.

That's an actual quote. These aren't even "sources." This is sharting out a hot take with no facts, no objective administrative pressure, nothing but love from the fanbase. I think I've addressed this above.

Deadspin 25: This Could Be A Good Year For Everyone Who Hates Alabama

Like usual, the defense will be this team’s biggest strength. Defensive ends A’Shawn Robinson and Jonathan Allen are both back, which is a very good thing if you like Alabama. Throw in nose tackle Jarran Reed and you’ve got a line that’s going to terrify every offensive line the SEC has to offer.

Alabama = page views (thank goodness I graduated from the right school for this job.) And nothing drags out the worst sorts of troglodytes quite like the hard-hitting dong-pictures analysis that Deadspin is known for. Since they can't even get Jarran Reed and A'Shawn Robinson's positions correct, I think this tells you all you need to know about Barstool Sports, Rant Sports, OKtC Deadspin's Alabama preview.

One bad (and broke) summer, I borrowed a 1977 poop brown Chevy Citation that had to be parked uphill and rolled down so I could pop the clutch and get it started. That Chevy Citation (a/k/a the "Shit Gremlin") was better than this article.

Practice Notes

Players talk Alabama special teams changes - The Crimson White

Kicker Adam Griffith said he had a good camp. He said his back has improved, but it is not 100%. "I think I got better on kickoffs I also feel like I got better on field goals too," Griffith said. "This year my back feels a lot better and I’m more confident." Griffith said he has monitored the number of reps he takes so he can avoid overworking himself. He said he’s followed JK Scott’s lead on things like incorporating Pilates and limiting his number of kicks. Griffith said he feels confident that this season he can kick well from 55 yards out, and he said one of his main goals is to consistently make field goals . Griffith is not the only special team’s player looking to change things up this year. Cornerback Cyrus Jones was listed as the first string punt returner in yesterday’s depth chart.

Today, we will feature the second half of our special teams preview. While we're happy Adam Griffith's busted back is healing nicely, the fact that it's still not healed is a huge source of concern. Aside from Ws and Ls, this is a potential quality of life issue for the young man going forward -- ask anyone you know who is saddled with doctor visits, drug regimens, therapy, and simple "can't get out of bed-ism."

Freshman WR Daylon Charlot primed to make early contribution | AL.com

Alabama coach Nick Saban said both Ridley and Charlot were "really, really talented" and were part of the group of receivers likely to play this season. Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin has also liked what he's seen from the freshman. "He catches the ball extremely well," Kiffin said. "Runs good routes and hopefully he'll be able to play for us this year."

Yesterday we noted that Daylon Charlot had been making huge strides in camp. It is now fairly confirmed that he and Calvin Ridley will almost certainly see the field. Where this leaves Cam Sims is anyone's guess.

Watch high-energy Scott Cochran lead Alabama practice-opening drills | AL.com

There isn't much to report from what was seen, but there was a rare opportunity to watch cult hero Scott Cochran lead stretching. So here's a look at the strength and conditioning coach bouncing around the indoor complex as the team got loose for the Tuesday workout.

Go. Watch the video. Get your head right. FOUR FANGERS! YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!

Miscellany

The USA TODAY Sports Preseason All-America team

USA TODAY Sports Preseason All-America teams First team P: JK Scott, Alabama

Very weird list as it does not feature Reggie Ragland. But, if punting and A'Shawn Robinson are your thing (and I know they are) Neuharth's sordid little rag has you covered.

Need some tickets?

Football Ticket Flash Sale Begins Wednesday Morning - ROLLTIDE.COM - University of Alabama Official Athletic Site

Alabama is offering a limited number of tickets at a price of $35 per ticket for a limited time only for the football games against Middle Tennessee State (Saturday, Sept. 12, 3 p.m. Central Time), Louisiana-Monroe (Saturday, Sept. 26, kickoff time to be determined), and Charleston Southern (Saturday, Nov. 21, kickoff time to be determined). The sale will begin on Wednesday, September 2, at 8 a.m. CT and will end on Sunday, September 6, at 11:59 p.m. CT.

These are perfect games to load up a family and head to Tuscaloosa. $35 for ULM, Charleston Southern and MTSU? Get on that. Remember also, this includes a $10 merchandise and/or concession voucher as well, hence the word "value" ticket.

Ed. Note: Just found out that Arkansas returned some of their allotment. There are about 700 of those available at face value.

Pros

5 from Alabama, 4 from Auburn among Tuesday's NFL roster cuts | AL.com

Sunseri was one of five former Alabama players on the NFL's official transactions list on Tuesday. The list also contained the names of four former Auburn players as well as two other players with football roots in the state. The other former Alabama players waived on Tuesday were linebacker Adrian Hubbard by the Green Bay Packers, safety Robert Lester by the Carolina Panthers, running back Trent Richardson by the Oakland Raiders and tight end Brad Smelley by the St. Louis Rams.

The Honky Badger already had a broken leg and a broken arm the past two seasons. Now, he has a busted bank account as he was released by the Saints. That's not a surprise. Starting safety Robert Lester's release from Carolina however was a surprise. He will not be on the market long.

ESPN analyst calls Trent Richardson 'worst running back of all-time' | AL.com

Richardson has averaged 3.31 yards for his 614 career carries. According to Pro Football Reference, only one running back in NFL history with at least 600 rushing attempts has a worse yards-per-carry average than Richardson. Clarke Hinkle averaged 3.30 yards on 1,171 carries for the Green Bay Packers from 1932 through 1941.

Worse, there are numbers to back up the assertion. The article has an interesting anecdote from Steeler's HC, Mike Tomlin, who specifically did not want Trent because "he'll never make it in the League." That is either a very good eye or I'm getting Tomlin to pick my Lotto numbers next Wednesday.