Reason #556,788 It's So Much Fun When They Lose

[Townhallsavoy]

In this article we see:

1. Lies about Saban being perfect.  "He thinks before he speaks." 
2. Saban call out his daughter.
3. His team not understanding the message.  And there's nothing flawed about that message.
4. Alabama is too talented for their own good. (This I can kinda agree with)
5. Good players are better than great players.

TUSCALOOSA -- As highly regarded as Nick Saban is as a football coach and recruiter, he is every bit as skilled as a motivator. He thinks before he speaks. He speaks with conviction and clarity. Most of the time.

When he's asked something twice, he sometimes gets testy.

Saban has had to repeat himself to his team often this season, because his message has not been getting results.

The message is about results. He believes his team has focused too much on results and not enough on improving as individuals and as a team.
He articulated that message -- again -- Saturday following a 24-21 loss at LSU. The second loss of the season eliminated the Crimson Tide from contention for a second consecutive national championship, the ultimate result.

He was asked to clarify the message earlier this week.

"I'm talking about a mindset, which is a process of what you need to do to improve and get better. Kristen had a hard time understanding that one, too," Saban said of his daughter.
"I understand that I didn't do a very good job of articulating. When your daughter questions you on what you said, you know you didn't do a very good job of articulating. Not that she doesn't question me about a lot of things a lot of the time, especially when it has to do with what time she has to be home at night."

So, one more time:

"What I'm talking about is when you become so result-oriented you lose the focus on the process of what it takes for you to improve and get better and play your best. You're always playing to a standard; you're not just playing to win the game. That's basically what I meant by that."

This is a young, inexperienced team, as Saban continues to note. He has spoken often about a high level of immaturity.

Dont'a Hightower was asked Wednesday how well he received Saban's messages two years ago as a freshman linebacker.

"I think for the first couple games, I had the jitters," Hightower said. "But it didn't take long for me to wake up. About the third game of the season, I had to wake up and play against Arkansas. It's just more about how guys act in their part on the team."

But is there more to it than youth and immaturity? Is Saban a victim of his recruiting success?

Young, talented players sometimes think they know more than they know. They rely on their athletic ability instead of being disciplined, maintaining their assignments.

Teams with the most talent don't always win. Texas, Florida and Southern California have battled Alabama atop the mythical recruiting rankings the past several years. Combined, these four teams have a 23-13 record this season.

This is an Alabama team loaded with four- and five-star players. Last year, an Alabama team loaded with scrappy three- and four-star players went undefeated and won a national championship. That was a group that understood their coach.

Perhaps Saban's true gift as a coach is to take good players and make them great.

Maybe good players are better at practicing what their coach preaches.

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/11/scrappy_2009_tide_team_had_no.html

[Townhallsavoy]

Something else I don't understand about Saban's message:

Why is it that when Alabama loses, the team isn't playing up to standard?  If the team isn't result oriented, then aren't we to assume that it is possible to lose a football game but not feel like a failure as long as the team was doing everything it's supposed to do? 

Because I saw a pretty good football game last Saturday.  There may have been a few mistakes, but I wouldn't say those mistakes happened because the team was too focused on winning.

Isn't that what Saban is saying?  You'll lose if you focus on winning?  And if you just focus on getting better, you'll always win?  But even if you do focus on getting better individually and you lose, then you'll be called out for wanting to win? 

Does any of that make sense? 

[AUTiger1]

Makes perfect sense to me.  I agree,  I saw a pretty good football team that lost to a team that played a perfect game.  Everything worked for LSU.  Whatever Miles called was executed to perfection.  Sometimes a team does that and there is nothing you can do.

[Townhallsavoy]

Makes perfect sense to me.  I agree,  I saw a pretty good football team that lost to a team that played a perfect game.  Everything worked for LSU.  Whatever Miles called was executed to perfection.  Sometimes a team does that and there is nothing you can do.

Oh there's something you can do alright. 

You can not focus on winning.  Then you'll overcome LSU playing a perfect game. 

[JR4AU]

Oh there's something you can do alright. 

You can not focus on winning.  Then you'll overcome LSU playing a perfect game.

THS...Saban has developed a thing called Saban-speak.  It's coach speak with more than a dash of arrogant asshole thrown in.   He's developed a language that is an advanced language designed to mystify bammers.  Not normally necessary to go to great lengths to do that, but they did have the king of coach speak in da bahr...so they've heard the tired bullshit before. 

I understand what he's saying, but I'm not sure if you're being funny, or you don't really get it. 

Saban is only saying, in a way he can draw out, and make smart assed remarks about...a way that he can talk down to people: "Everybody has the will to win, few have the will to prepare to win."

Fans put way too much emphasis on play calling, game day coaching, and adjustments.  All of that happens on game day...the game(s) is/are won or lost on the practice field the week prior.   Yes there are game day decisions that can make a huge difference, but that's not really coaching (coaching is primarily teaching) that's more executive decision making on tactics and strategy.  That matters in being a coach, but you can justify just about any strategic decision...Miles may have more difficulty than most, except that so many of his head scratching decisions work out for him, but most coaches can justify why they did or didn't go for it...and if it worked, you'll buy it, and if it didn't you won't, regardless.

The season is made in the weight room, and with off season training the winter and spring prior.  If you have one or two starters half step off a NC team...you have a drop off.  A few players here and there think they're good enough to just show up...or that the team will cover them because the team is good enough...and a couple of plays here and there, make a game or lose a game. 

So, yeah, I get what he's saying...he's just saying it like the asshole he is.  Talking down to folks, making them feel stupid. 

[Token]

In this article we see:

1. Lies about Saban being perfect.  "He thinks before he speaks." 
2. Saban call out his daughter.
3. His team not understanding the message.  And there's nothing flawed about that message.
4. Alabama is too talented for their own good. (This I can kinda agree with)
5. Good players are better than great players.

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/11/scrappy_2009_tide_team_had_no.html

I don't think anyone here would be shocked if I said I was a Bama fan.  Although I am, for the most part, I stay out of the "HAHA Bammer" threads.  But I don't see the haha in this one.

1.  I don't know if Saban thinks before he speaks, so I can't comment on that one with validity.
*2.  A lot of good speakers incorporate their families into their presentation.  Don't see the big deal.
3.  Nobody is perfect, but his message is damn near flawless.  I'm not being a homer here, but damn.  The man took a very average Alabama team and won 12 games in his second season.  Won 14 games, the SEC and BCS championship in his 3rd season.   His team has won 34 of the last 38 games it has played.  Nothing wrong with the message. 
4. 4 and 5 work together.  I'll give one prime example of good player being better than great player.  But maybe we should substitute the word "player" with "athlete".  In the LSU game, there was a crucial 4th down play that LSU almost scored on with a reverse.  Jerrell Harris (incredible athlete) broke containment, and the reverse caused him to shit his pants on the field.  Last year, a kid by the name of Corey Reamer manned that linebacker spot.  You put Reamer and Harris in an athletic competition and Harris would kill Reamer.  He's bigger, faster and stronger.  But one thing about Reamer?  On the field, he was where he was supposed to be every time.  I have no doubts that if he were playing, that reverse on 4th down would have been for a loss of yards and a turnover rather than a first down run to the 5 yard line. 

So yes, sometimes, good athletes are better than great athletes. 

And yeah, I'm a homer.

* denotes that using the same method, Gene Chiziks blueprint appears to also be a damn good message.

[Townhallsavoy]

THS...Saban has developed a thing called Saban-speak.  It's coach speak with more than a dash of arrogant asshole thrown in.   He's developed a language that is an advanced language designed to mystify bammers.  Not normally necessary to go to great lengths to do that, but they did have the king of coach speak in da bahr...so they've heard the tired bullshit before. 

I understand what he's saying, but I'm not sure if you're being funny, or you don't really get it. 

Saban is only saying, in a way he can draw out, and make smart assed remarks about...a way that he can talk down to people: "Everybody has the will to win, few have the will to prepare to win."

Fans put way too much emphasis on play calling, game day coaching, and adjustments.  All of that happens on game day...the game(s) is/are won or lost on the practice field the week prior.   Yes there are game day decisions that can make a huge difference, but that's not really coaching (coaching is primarily teaching) that's more executive decision making on tactics and strategy.  That matters in being a coach, but you can justify just about any strategic decision...Miles may have more difficulty than most, except that so many of his head scratching decisions work out for him, but most coaches can justify why they did or didn't go for it...and if it worked, you'll buy it, and if it didn't you won't, regardless.

The season is made in the weight room, and with off season training the winter and spring prior.  If you have one or two starters half step off a NC team...you have a drop off.  A few players here and there think they're good enough to just show up...or that the team will cover them because the team is good enough...and a couple of plays here and there, make a game or lose a game. 

So, yeah, I get what he's saying...he's just saying it like the asshole he is.  Talking down to folks, making them feel stupid.

Dude...it is one hundred percent a funny. 

The bammer nation accepts anything from Nick Saban - even articles like this that are condescending to both the fans and the players. 

What kind of an asshole comes out and talks like this?  The asshole of Nick Saban.  What kind of a fanbase sits back and takes it?  Dumbasses like Alabama fans. 

That's the fun of it.

[Townhallsavoy]

I don't think anyone here would be shocked if I said I was a Bama fan.  Although I am, for the most part, I stay out of the "HAHA Bammer" threads.  But I don't see the haha in this one.

1.  I don't know if Saban thinks before he speaks, so I can't comment on that one with validity.
*2.  A lot of good speakers incorporate their families into their presentation.  Don't see the big deal.
3.  Nobody is perfect, but his message is damn near flawless.  I'm not being a homer here, but damn.  The man took a very average Alabama team and won 12 games in his second season.  Won 14 games, the SEC and BCS championship in his 3rd season.   His team has won 34 of the last 38 games it has played.  Nothing wrong with the message. 
4. 4 and 5 work together.  I'll give one prime example of good player being better than great player.  But maybe we should substitute the word "player" with "athlete".  In the LSU game, there was a crucial 4th down play that LSU almost scored on with a reverse.  Jerrell Harris (incredible athlete) broke containment, and the reverse caused him to shit his pants on the field.  Last year, a kid by the name of Corey Reamer manned that linebacker spot.  You put Reamer and Harris in an athletic competition and Harris would kill Reamer.  He's bigger, faster and stronger.  But one thing about Reamer?  On the field, he was where he was supposed to be every time.  I have no doubts that if he were playing, that reverse on 4th down would have been for a loss of yards and a turnover rather than a first down run to the 5 yard line. 

So yes, sometimes, good athletes are better than great athletes. 

And yeah, I'm a homer.

* denotes that using the same method, Gene Chiziks blueprint appears to also be a damn good message.

1.  Pearl Harbor.  9/11.  "Shit" in a press conference then regretting saying it.  But Kausler says Saban always thinks before he speaks.   That, to me, is funny. 

2.  Name one other coach that when lambasting fans and players for essentially not being capable of understanding his message brought their family...namely their daughter...into the conversation. 

3. His message is very good for turning a team around, but one criticism of Saban has always been that his philosophy doesn't last for the long term.  I'm not saying Alabama's program is finished. I've been one of the biggest supporters of Alabama's dynasty and have given them credit since 2008 when it was obvious that Bama was quickly growing into a juggernaut.

However, Alabama is losing games this year, and not once have I heard Nick Saban say, "I'm not getting the job done either.  Maybe I should change my message."  All I've heard is, "The message is good.  The players and fans just don't get it."

4.  So after all the shit talking from Alabama fans about their top rated recruiting classes ensuring multiple national championships, now we're going to say that Shula's scrubs were "scrappy" and "coachable" and more capable of winning championships?  I think I already commented on how I agree with too much "talent" being a bad thing.  But it's hilarious to me that after listening to people on Rivals, Finebaum, and here talk about how Alabama could possibly win the next five Iron Bowls because of the disparity in talent - now, the talent is the problem.  Why is that?  Because of one very close loss to a good LSU team? 

5. You're right.  #4 and #5 do go together. 

Sorry to go Prowler on you, but bitch, you got told.   

[JR4AU]

Dude...it is one hundred percent a funny. 

The bammer nation accepts anything from Nick Saban - even articles like this that are condescending to both the fans and the players. 

What kind of an asshole comes out and talks like this?  The asshole of Nick Saban.  What kind of a fanbase sits back and takes it?  Dumbasses like Alabama fans. 

That's the fun of it.

I thought you probably got it, just wasn't sure. 

You're talking about a fan base that has been forever confused about what "class" means by this:



You hear bammers talk about "class" in every situation...they toss the word around freely and openly in every situation, and I guess they, and da bahr thought that "if you have class, you'll go win this game".   So, what do you expect from a fan base that believes that class is about winning, and having great players, not about how you act?

[Token]

1.  Pearl Harbor.  9/11.  "Shit" in a press conference then regretting saying it.  But Kausler says Saban always thinks before he speaks.   That, to me, is funny. 

2.  Name one other coach that when lambasting fans and players for essentially not being capable of understanding his message brought their family...namely their daughter...into the conversation. 

3. His message is very good for turning a team around, but one criticism of Saban has always been that his philosophy doesn't last for the long term.  I'm not saying Alabama's program is finished. I've been one of the biggest supporters of Alabama's dynasty and have given them credit since 2008 when it was obvious that Bama was quickly growing into a juggernaut.

However, Alabama is losing games this year, and not once have I heard Nick Saban say, "I'm not getting the job done either.  Maybe I should change my message."  All I've heard is, "The message is good.  The players and fans just don't get it."

4.  So after all the shit talking from Alabama fans about their top rated recruiting classes ensuring multiple national championships, now we're going to say that Shula's scrubs were "scrappy" and "coachable" and more capable of winning championships?  I think I already commented on how I agree with too much "talent" being a bad thing.  But it's hilarious to me that after listening to people on Rivals, Finebaum, and here talk about how Alabama could possibly win the next five Iron Bowls because of the disparity in talent - now, the talent is the problem.  Why is that?  Because of one very close loss to a good LSU team? 

5. You're right.  #4 and #5 do go together. 

Sorry to go Prowler on you, but bitch, you got told.   

1.  Maybe in his mind he thinks it was a credible comparison. Regardless of how outlandish you and I believe it to be, doesn't mean he didn't plan that speach, thus "thinking" about it before saying it.

2. Maybe he did lambaste the players after the LSU game.  I didn't at any point feel anyone (especially myself "the fan") was being lambasted with that comment, during his presser.  Maybe I'm not smart enough to feel lambasted.  But as for bringing up his daughter, did you see presser or are you simply going by the article?  If you really think he was calling his daughter out and lambasting her, watch the presser. 

3. We are 7-2 with a shot to win 10 again this year.  It sucks that we lost to USCe and LSU, but hey.  I'm not delusional enough to believe we are going to win every game of every year. 

4/5. I didn't mean to imply that ALL good players are better than ALL great players.  Reamer was a 5th year senior last season, which is why I believe he would have been in his position.  Alabama has 8 scholarship seniors this season.  A lot of young guys are playing, and young guys tend to make a few mistakes.  Once they get a year or two under their belt, they have the potential to get back to a championship caliber team. 

But if 7-2 constitutes a down year, I'm pleased with the job Saban is doing.

[AUChizad]

A match made in Heaven (or Hell).

A fanbase that always has an excuse (refs, winning three quarters, bye weeks, the OC, the QB) with a coach that blames his players, the fan base, or anyone else to avoid personal responsibility.

Saban is the only coach I've ever seen refuse to ever, even once, say they played a formidable opponent and got outplayed or outcoached.

[Godfather]

I see whats going on here...and I am not going to take it.





Cam Newton is innocent!

[No Huddle]

You know you allbarn fans have it figured out. I will switch my commitment to allbarn for $200,000. 

[Snaggletiger]

You know you allbarn fans have it figured out. I will switch my commitment to allbarn for $200,000. 

That's what several schools have already offered.  But since it's you...we'll let you switch for $180K.

[AWK]

That's what several schools have already offered.  But since it's you...we'll let you switch for $180K.

You've gotta, know when to hold em.

[No Huddle]

That's what several schools have already offered.  But since it's you...we'll let you switch for $180K.

Since I like you I will take your $180,000.

[Snaggletiger]

Since I like you I will take your $180,000.

I'm reporting you to the MODS.  It's my duty under X requirements of reporting all violations. 

[AWK]

I'm reponrting you to the MODS.  It's my duty under X requirements of reporting all violations.

No Huddle cheated on tests and beat babies 3 years ago.  Write it down...it's a fact.  I've got 3,789,356 sources.

[RWS]

I'm Batman.




 

[AUTailgatingRules]

One of the saddest thing to me this week is that we have not been able to fully enjoy the meltdown of the Bama nation after LSU took them out of the MNC race.  Hell, we haven't even gotten to hear it on Birmingham radio much less the internets.