Alabama Crimson Tide: The Reality of Repeating

Larry Burton (Panama City Beach, Fl) For Alabama fans giddy with the knowledge they return an undefeated quarterback, a Heisman-winning running back and perhaps the nation's best receiver back for a second run a national championship, a quick look at history shows us that few have repeated...not even when they return most of the previous year's championship team for another try.

Saban followed up his first BCS winning season with a very disappointing 9-3 encore despite being picked to contend for the title yet again.

Florida brought back most of its entire team after winning the title their last time, but they were thwarted in their efforts by Alabama and rather rudely shown the door in a smothering defeat.

In fact, in the entire 12-year span of the BCS series, no one has repeated as national champion. In fact, not since Nebraska did it in 1994 and 1995, has any team repeated as undisputed national champions.

It's hard for a team to repeat as SEC Champions as well. Alabama may hold the title for most conference championships, but the Spurrier-led Gators of 1995 and 1996 were the last to go back-to-back as conference champions.

"Repeating is not the goal," said Saban on the subject. "Winning is. When you take the opportunity to get better and win games things take care of themselves." This from a coach who knows how to put things in perspective.

Last year's team was motivated more than anything by getting another chance at Florida. That loss last year really stung the team and provided a lot of motivation. To get the chance for revenge, they knew they had to earn a spot in the conference championship.

Saban knows how important the right motivation is. "When you accomplish something, are you ready to go and go do the next thing?" Saban said. "Or do you want to sort of bask in the glory of all that and not get focused on the challenges that you have in the future?

"There's no question that I think it's a little easier sometimes to deal with adversity. Players usually respond better when they lose than sometimes when they win. And I think it's going to be critical on this team that we have the kind of leadership that doesn't allow that to happen," he concluded.

He is also telling this team they are not defending national champions as everyone thinks. Saban reminds them that team is gone and this one still has its own identity to earn and build.

With a rugged schedule and a target clearly placed on their back for this coming season, the 2010 version of the Crimson Tide clearly has a tough row to hoe in making a repeat a reality.