Ole Miss Football: 5 Reasons The Tide Will Not Win The SEC In 2017
Lane Kiffin
Kiffin’s abrupt ‘departure’ from T-town was the shocker of the season. It literally surprised me more than all the Ole Miss meltdowns put together. I know for many Bama fans it was a love and hate relationship with Kiffin. Very few Bammers were happy about his arrival but also weren’t happy about his early playoff departure either.
Every win, especially big wins, over the past 3 season can be contributed in large part to Kiffin. He was an offensive genius as coordinator under Saban. That last part was the problem. Saban and Kiffin both have inflated egos. Of course, when two personalities like theirs collide there will always be fireworks and there were.
However, much of the fireworks from Kiffin came in the form of a prolific Alabama offense. The Tide had the perfect package in Kiffin and coach Saban let him get away. I know, I know. The Bammers ‘just reload’ concept somehow will make them just as competitive with new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. No it wont be that easy. It works for talented players not so much for coaches. The Tide
Despite Jalen Hurts undeniable talent and numerous offensive weapons this offense will not be as proficient in 2017. Saban has de-committed from the big play explosive offense potential we saw under Kiffin. Sure, there will still be big plays but just not as many. Every Bama fan knows there is no way Saban will ‘turn loose’ Daboll the way he did Lane Kiffin. This will result in many close wins for Bama this season and at least 3 very disappointing losses.
The Downhill Slide
All good things must come to an end. Look I like Saban and appreciate his coaching prowess. He simply has the best post-game comments in college football as well. However, once the Kiffin departure happened many of us knew this was the beginning of something which would surely haunt the Tide. Then Clemson happened. Did it hurt anything besides Bammer feelings? No, but it did cost the Bama program.
Alabama is not going to be the same Bama we were used to seeing pre-Lane Kiffin. I imagine we will see a more concise playbook with more focus on the ground game. Of course, Jalen Hurts will still put up really good numbers. That ‘something’ will be missing though in Kiffin’s absence.
Will Alabama lose all these games I listed? Probably not. However, they will lose games this season and I believe 2, of possibly 3 losses, will be from this list. I’m firm on the Auburn win over Bama and one more. As much as the homer in me wants it to be Ole Miss, my gut says MSU. However, it may just be an upset stomach. Hotty Toddy!