Well, folks, if you thought “never losing a season opener” was a timeless Alabama football tradition, think again. On Saturday, August 30, the Crimson Tide rolled into Tallahassee, Florida, expecting a win. Instead, Florida State, unranked, beat Alabama 31-17 which amounted to the program’s first opening-game loss since 2001.
Cue the blowback on social media: “The QB sucks, the coach sucks, the O-line sucks, the defense sucks” was one fan’s overall assessment.
Crimson Tide fans are demanding new blood. Convinced the season is already dead, they’re calling for both the quarterback and the coach to be replaced.
What went wrong? Alabama appeared to get smashed physically and mentally. Sure, the recently- installed QB Ty Simpson managed 254 passing yards and two TDs – but there was no spark, no mayhem, no soul – no killer instinct. And the running game was as MIA as enthusiasm in a Monday morning lecture in school.
Sloppy execution seemed to be the star of the show with the coaching decisions being questionable at best. And the D-line? About as useful as a screen door on a submarine.
It’s a far cry from the football that made me fall in love with the game. Back in Nashville, Tennessee, I watched quarterback Ingle Martin command the field at Montgomery Bell Academy (high school), leading his team to two undefeated seasons in 1999 and 2000. That’s when I learned to appreciate precision, grit, and a winning edge – qualities Alabama fans used to count on every Saturday.
I followed Martin’s journey from the Florida Gators to the Furman Paladins, and later to the Green Bay Packers and other NFL teams, even as he was overshadowed by other QBs like Rex Grossman, Chris Leak, and Aaron Rodgers.
Along the way, college football brought me some new favorites including Texas Longhorns star Colt McCoy and Texas A&M’s electric Johnny Manziel. Both were pure entertainment, and they sealed my love for the game – and strong-armed QBs.
Eventually, the siren call of a winning culture lured me to Alabama: I enjoyed watching QBs Jalen Hurts (still do) and Tua Tagovailoa. Mac Jones was okay too. Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe? Not really my cup of tea but I continued to support my mostly-winning team. I also loved the fact that they always ran up the score under former coach and legend Nick Saban. So what if you’re ahead 49-0?! 56-0 sounds a lot better!!
There were some other non-QB Alabama players I have liked along the way too including running backs Najee Harris (Los Angeles Chargers) and Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions) – and wide receivers DeVonta Smith (Philadelphia Eagles – plays with Hurts) and Jaylen Waddle (Miami Dolphins – plays with Tagovailoa).
Besides missing a powerhouse quarterback this season and the glory days of what used to be a dominant Crimson Tide, I miss Nick Saban – and so does every Alabama fan right now. I’m not jumping ship just yet after just one loss, but after a decade of basking in championship glory, I can’t help glancing at other teams and wondering if it’s time to see what else is out there.
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Author: Liberty Paige
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