By Grant Flood
Crimson Tide Head Coach, Nick Saban, the all-time college win percentage owner, signed an 8-year extension back in 2018 worth at least $74.4M, including $400,000 in annual raises. After signing a new extension back on June 7, Saban will now make a whopping $9.3M a season until 2028. Heading into year 15 as coach of Alabama, “The Great Saban” has dominated the SEC with a record of 170-23 along with 6 national championships. His program is coming off a remarkable 13-0 season that resulted in a National Championship win over Ohio State, 52-24.
What can Saban pull out of his bag of mentor tricks to prepare Sophomore QB, Bryce Young for the upcoming season? His natural ability to recruit talent is proven by the rich, winning culture of Crimson Tide’s football history.
The main question for Alabama heading into the 2021-22 campaign is, Will Bryce Young’s lack of experience hold the offense back? Young during his Freshman year had the usual stat line for a first-year backup, he briefly appeared in 7 games as he threw 13-22 for 156-yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions, and a 133.7 completion rate. Back in September of 2020, Young, who committed to UA is now the successor to the latest batch of elite quarterbacks, Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, and Mac Jones. In the past 14 seasons, Saban has been no stranger in making a name out of Alabama stars as he prepped Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles), Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins), and Jones (New England Patriots) to be NFL ready. In 2017, Hurts threw for a miraculous 17 touchdowns to 1 interception, the following year, Tagovailoa threw for an impressive 3,966 yards and 43 touchdowns, this marked Tua to be ranked as a top-five NFL draft pick, and lastly, Jones who threw for an astonishing 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns was good enough to catch Bill Belichick’s eye in this year’s draft.
Alabama will also have to rely on a new running back now that Najee Harris is off to Pittsburgh as he was drafted by the Steelers in this year’s draft with over 4,000 total yards and 57 touchdowns. According to Mike Rodak of AL.com, Brian Robinson Jr. is projected to win the starting job, a 4-star recruit out of Tuscaloosa back in 2017. Heading into his redshirt senior season, Robinson Jr. has racked up over 1,500 total yards along with 15 touchdowns.
Per ESPN, Alabama has a 19% chance of going undefeated again in 2021-22. They will begin their schedule at home against Miami, then their toughest match of the season, a dog fight with long-time rival Florida in Week 3, Saban will also get to coach against his former team as his squad hosts LSU in Week 9. Bryce Young has the chance to blossom and show his talents against easier opponents such as Mercer, Tennessee, New Mexico State, and Arkansas. The question remains, Can Nick Saban continue his dominance in the college realm with a brand new offensive system led by Bryce Young?
As of 2021, Nick Saban at 69 is the 3rd oldest collegiate football coach, he will be 77 years old if he stays throughout the duration of his new deal which ends on February 28, 2029.
With Saban’s lengthy record of achievements at Alabama including previous stints with Michigan State and LSU, there should be no surprise he will fulfill his contract and conceivably end up in the end zone each season.
Here’s My Take on SimBull CFB:
Buy: SimBAMA-FB
Price as of July 2 – July 7, 2021 – $69.36
Has Nick Saban ever failed to meet expectations? Nope, that’s why it’s a safe bet to buy stock in Crimson Tide. Alabama’s stock is mighty high at roughly $70 but I would bank on Saban for his numerous achievements and jaw-dropping 256 career wins.
If QB, Bryce Young rallies his teammates to a great start under the discipline of their fearless leader, it’s a sure thing if you’re looking to cash in on a few extra bucks.
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