Alabama's Pride is On the Line: A Cam Newton-Free Story

We all know too well what happened the last time Alabama was coming off a crushing loss like the one they suffered in Baton Rouge.

A month later and Alabama played one of the worst games in the Nick Saban era; a flat, heartless effort in the Sugar Bowl where Utah destroyed the Tide.

Now here is Alabama at 7-2. All those lofty goals, a trip to Atlanta for the third straight year and a chance to repeat as national champs are gone. Technically they are still alive, but in the land of harsh reality, they are gone.

How will this team respond? Will they find a way to summon the strength that has been lacking this year? Will the focus that was missing in their two losses finally become clear? Can Alabama liven up what has been a mostly flat 2010?

Even when Alabama has won they've looked unconvincing. They beat Penn State 24-3 and most thought Alabama kept their foot off the gas out of respect to Joe Paterno. Perhaps they didn't have any more gas to use. Then you have the Florida win which turned out to not be nearly as impressive as most first thought.

It's been quite obvious that this edition of the Crimson Tide is sorely missing the leadership from 2009. There has not really been a player to step into the roles of Rolando McClain and Javier Arenas as a collective team compass.

Often times it has looked as if Alabama thought they would win on reputation and ranking alone. Only once this season did Alabama show the resolve it had the previous campaign. That being the come from behind victory at Arkansas. Instead, this year, when Alabama has needed someone to make a play in a tight spot it was the opposing colors getting that first down or causing the game changing turnover.

Where's the hunger? I never buy when someone says a team wanted it more. Every team, every player wants to win, but not all teams have the people who can step up and make it happen.

Some will cry that they should fire offensive coordinator Jim McElwain. Yet, we were all cheering his expertise a year ago. Yes, maybe the play-calling has been suspect, but I seriously doubt he is going anywhere after the season outside of being hired as a head coach somewhere.

I've even heard some insane fan ramblings saying we should bench McElroy and put in back up AJ McCarron and start working for next year. Yes, let's bench the QB that led Alabama to a national title. Idiocy.

Don't get me wrong. Alabama can still have a wildly successful season. Winning 10 games, beating your arch rival and playing in a great bowl game are things to strive for. Let's be real here. Alabama is not going to play for the national title every season. Alabama lost six times in 2007 alone. Since then Alabama has only lost four times, so there is way more good than bad.

Throughout a season the definition of success changes. Goals can change, but pride should never waver. We're going to find out with these last three games just how much pride and hunger this Alabama football team has.