Can Saban go 10-2 at Bama in 2008?

Look for Bama to improve, but I think 10-2 might be a stretch for the 2008 season but its definitely not out of the question.

This one will get some opinions...


Shula was VERY lucky to go 10-2. If you remember that year, Bama's schedule was a big part of them starting 10-0. They had a big win against UF, BUT it was in t-town and it was Meyer's first away game in the SEC. The gators were simply unprepared. Bama beat UT by one of the luckiest fluke plays you will ever see. Also in t-town. Honestly going into the LSU game I thought LSU would beat Bama very badly and I thought AU would do the same. I said MANY times at that point that Bama was maybe the worst 10-0 SEC team in 25-30 years. The only game I give Bama credit for is the LSU game. I thought LSU was a lot better and Bama played a good game - of course it was a home game for Bama too. Then AU kicked the hell out of them and the game was over at half time and Tubbs sat on the lead in the 2nd.

So, basically I think that 10 win season was very, very weak. As far as Shula, I do not think he was a very good coach, but I am not convinced he was that bad either. He saw Bama through rough times and severe sanctions.

In a nutshell, I think Saban is overrated as a coach and cannot win without supperior talent. I do think he is a great recruiter, but if he doesn't win more this year - like at least 8 - he will lose some of his success and momentum in recruiting. On the flip side if Bama has a big year this year, Saban will get another very talented top ranked class. I think Saban is the right man for the job at Bama as he is rebuilding and has the gumps excited. We will see if it lasts.

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but I think 10-2 might be a stretch for the 2008 season but its definitely not out of the question.

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Not out of the question? Are you serious? With the gumps schedule, there is no way they could go 10-2. If they do, I would stand in line to kiss Saban's arse. Not gonna happen.

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If Saban is the guy who can get the great talent that makes him look like a great coach, doesn't that just make him a great coach, period?

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No. And I will quote Bear on this one, "I'll take my boys and beat your boys or I can take your boys and beat my boys". Certainly not really true, but making a point.

Great coaches can win when the talent is similiar. They outcoach the competition. That is what it takes in today's SEC when you have so many talented teams. Right now you have LSU, Bama, UGA, and UF consistently pulling in top 10 classes. All four will have the talent. Coaching plays a big role in who is going to win in that situation.

I would take Tubbs hands down without a second thought to win a big game over Saban (and maybe any other coach in the SEC). Tubbs has a winning record against every team in the SEC except tied with LSU. LSU, UF, UGA, and UT have all had more talent year in and year out than Tubbs.

So, my point is I will not call Saban a great coach until he shows more. His resume really is not that strong. He had a few good years at LSU, but was in a situation that was favorable to success (and Saban's hard work) also.

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Coach - SEC titles - National Titles
Saban - 2 - 1
Tuberville - 1 - 0

Saban's resume is better than Tuberville's.

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when did tubby get into this???

anyway- Hallman could recruit, and, well.......
(The 95 season proved LSU had talent, as did the 2000 season. But a good coach(es) was/were needed.

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Saban was unlucky to go 7-6, and 10-2 will sound about right for him soon.

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I wouldn't look for 10-2 real soon.

Based on their schedule, I think 8-4 (5-3) would be an excellent (regular) season for the Tide.

If they exceed this, then Saban will have done a helluva job.

I work in the ER in Foley next month(closet ER to Gulf Shores) and let you know what is going to happen n. The Bammers know more about their team. Just like last year the Consensus was 10 wins, SEC Championship, and the Sugar Bowl.

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Tiger n Miami AU83 said he'd take Tubby over Saban in a big game anyday (except 12/1/01 apparently).

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I think coaching has to be dividing into 3 areas.

1. Program Administration- (facilities, acedemic assistance for players, grade management, etc)

2. Recruiting and Development- What quality of player is brought in and how much have they improved as a player in their 4 years
3. Gameday/Game week coaching- Strategy, X's and 0's, and in-game adjustments

I think Saban would get an A+ with #1, a A- in #2, and a C+ in #3. Putting these together make him a good coach, not a 'great' coach, but a very good coach.

ETA: I think if talent is equal, on a neutral field, Tubby beats Saban 8 of 10 times.