Alabama Football: Why Nick Saban Should Be SEC Coach of the Year

When Alabama lost to LSU, a number of goals were thought to have been lost. One of those would be Nick Saban's chance of winning SEC Coach of the Year.

How could Saban possibly be in contention for such an award after the loss? Admittedly, the chances aren't great. But, let's look at the argument that can be made for Saban. 

Inexperienced Quarterback

Nick Saban’s team entered the 2011 season with a lot of pieces needed to make a run at a BCS National Championship. A strong defense and Trent Richardson in the backfield have led the team all season long. One issue though, unique to Alabama as compared to other national championship contenders, is an inexperienced quarterback.

LSU, Oklahoma, Oregon and Stanford all have experienced quarterbacks. Alabama has had to tailor its offense for A. J. McCarron all season long. Yet, Alabama still is in position to reach the BCS National Championship Game. 

Receiving Corps

This season, Alabama had the task of breaking in a new quarterback without a top-notch weapon at the receiver position. Even with those limitations, Alabama has found a way to score enough in all but one game. 

The Tide has been ranked high in scoring offense all season long. It’s current average points per game is the lowest it's been all season at 34.5.

If Alabama had the same weapons at receiver that LSU has, what could the Tide offense do? Even with what they have, Nick Saban has found a way to get it done. 

Defense

Alabama’s defense entered the season with high expectations but didn’t have a big time playmaker along the defensive line. This hasn’t been an issue for the Alabama defense all season though.

Without being extremely blitz happy, Saban has coached up an Alabama defense ranked the best in the country. The Tide hasn’t allowed more than 14 points in a game all season long and some have argued this is Nick Saban’s best defense. 

Season Not Done

Despite its loss to LSU, Alabama still has a chance to win the SEC Championship. If Arkansas can beat LSU, the Tide could find its way to Atlanta.

If Alabama were to get that chance and win the SEC, there wouldn’t be any questioning Saban. The chances of that aren’t great, but most of Alabama's season goals are still attainable.