re: What does Nick Saban do that is so different from other coaches?

I think not only is Saban probably the best recruiter in college football in the last 25-30 years but he also SPOTS elite talent in some cases before others do. Seemingly in every Saban class there are at least a 1-2 guys who were flat-out under the radar.

When I think of some of the guys Saban brought to Michigan St like Tony Banks, Demetrius Underwood (I believe that was his name; he had a mental illness and flamed out with the Cowboys), TJ Duckett, Plaxico, Julian Peterson, etc. I don't think Michigan State had that much talent before on a squad since the days of Bubba Smith.

I think offensively Saban isn't as conservative as what people think. I look at his offense now at Bama and especially at LSU when Rohan was QB. He plays to the personnel he has on offense.

Defense goes without saying.

Discipline. His teams don't commit many stupid penalties. Period. Not a lot of personal fouls.

Psychology. Saban knows how to create an atmosphere where those who buy into his program gain leadership positions and they seemingly effectively make a positive peer pressure environment. Those guys who don't buy in just don't last and he sends them on their way.