re: Do you think Nick Saban is...

quote:

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I am a college football fan - I honor and respect (and envy) the hell out of Bama's past. However, I'm also a Nick Saban fan - the man who says all that matters is the next game, not what you did last year, even last game, much less 50 ago. I'm not "denying" anything about Bama. I'm just saying that your claim that the reason for Saban's amazing success at Bama the last TWO seasons (and admittedly the shine was taken off last season somewhat because of the 2 losses at the end) is because of Bama's "tradition" is not accurate.

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Great post.

I would add that tradition does help somewhat but only if it is mixed in with a helping of "done something lately"

It helps in developing an attitude with your team that they can't and should never be beat. It helps foster a team spirit that makes you think you can overcome anything.

I heard a story told by Pat Dye about Bryant. Bama was losing to some team they were playing at the half. The team went to the locker room and Bryant didn't show up.
The team waited and waited, still no Bryant. 2 minutes before the half was over, Bryant opened the door walked inside and said, "I'm looking for the Alabama Football team, If you see them tell them to meet me on the field for the second half"

Those "Tradition" things help.