re: Is Bama all Saban or would they win without him?

It's called tradition. Bama has won championships more than any school since the 20's. And the fans support and put their money where their mouth is.

It's called coaching. They have had 7 coaches who coached there for a time and won national titles. Saban is just the latest (maybe the greatest but that's open for conversation).

And they get players. They are currently tied for second in the SEC in the number of five star players on the roster with LSU. Georgia has more than both. But UA is broke out with 4 star types. Saban went 12-0 regular season his second year at Bama in 2008 with Shula's players. Then went 14-0 and won the natty his third year with 16 of the 22 starters recruited by Shula. Saban recruits all over but Bryant won mostly with Alabama kids.