Alabama's Outlook: Things Seem Grim...Or Do They?

Most Alabama fans did not anticipate it.

Many laughed at the thought of it.

Still, after Alabama’s horrifying loss to Mississippi State on Saturday, the state of Alabama football was made very clear to the general public: Alabama simply does not have the talent to contend with SEC big dogs—and win.

The entire game played out like a slow-motion nightmare. When John Parker Wilson lofted the ball up into the air on third-and-goal with just a few seconds left in the first half, Alabama’s collective legs were swept out from underneath them, and the entire season started to crumble.

Still, what makes the loss to Mississippi State far worse for Alabama fans—and even moreso for the coaches—is the lack of execution.

Nikita Stover dropped a pass in the first quarter that would have surely given Alabama a touchdown. Rashad Johnson dropped two interceptions in three attempts. Had the first one not been placed into his hands, I’m not too sure if he would have had that one either.

Simply put, things did not fall into place for the Tide on Saturday, and there are now many questions which remain unanswered.

Many skeptics have criticized the boneheaded play of John Parker Wilson. Why not, right? He must have had complete control over his receivers and offensive line, and for the second week in a row just didn't toggle the joystick in time to get away from the constant defensive pressure.

Do you see where I am going with this? Alabama fans and sports journalists all across the southeast have begun to talk about Wilson’s "boneheaded" play. Not one has noted the numerous alterations to the offensive line that he has had to endure.

Face it, if you had five different people in front of you each week, none of who have displayed world-class talent, you would be running for your life too.

The Crimson Tide fans will need to snap back to reality quickly, or else the Auburn game in two weeks could be dreadful.

Alabama may get Antoine Caldwell back for the Iron Bowl, but who in their right mind would want him or the rest of the "TextbookGate" players on the field against Auburn?

From a fan’s point of view, it is what Alabama needs to do to win. From Nick Saban’s point of view, it is what needs to happen to make a statement. If Antoine Caldwell and Marlon Davis play against Auburn, there will be many more questions to be answered.

But this week’s game should be refreshing for Alabama fans. Louisiana-Monroe comes into Tuscaloosa for Senior Day, Antoine Caldwell will likely be suspended for his final game in Bryant-Denny Stadium, and the Crimson Tide fans will bid their farewells to D.J. Hall, the leading receiver in Alabama history. With a win, Alabama will be 7-4 heading into Iron Bowl week.

So, as everyone sits back this week, relaxing and remembering the days of 1978, 1979, and 1980, let us not forget that the University of Alabama has a solid coach at the helm, and a fresh set of players coming in 2008.

The only testament Alabama fans need for encouragement is borne in one word: LSU.

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