[Tuck4Bama]

Consecutive losses, sluggish offense a growing concern

TUSCALOOSA - Rising from the rubble of Alabama's 21-14 loss to Florida State on Saturday came an optimistic word.

It perhaps seemed a bit out of place, given that the Crimson Tide has lost two straight and exited the Associated Press Top 25 two weeks after a leap to No. 16.

"Our goal is to win the SEC championship," junior center Antoine Caldwell said. "Those goals can still be obtained. We need to get back on track and get everybody going."

Upbeat words for a beat-up team, one that coach Nick Saban said got physically dominated both offensively and defensively.
And before a championship can be won, Alabama must first remember how to win any game.

"I just didn't think we had the competitive, relentless, competitive disposition we need to have success against a good football team," Saban said.

The loss, Alabama's soundest thumping in Saban's first season, gave cause for Saban to again preach the tenets upon which he wants the Crimson Tide program built.

"How do we want our players?" Saban asked. "We want our players to say, 'This is who I am, this is how I'm going to play, I've got the discipline to do it.' "

But what he got against the Seminoles - in the form of a lethargic offense, ineffective special teams and a defense that couldn't overcome that - was something less.

Alabama's wheels turning a bit off track- al.com

[Stoney]

If I were Saban I would threaten the coaches jobs and let them know that if they continue to lose that they will lose thier jobs. His staff has done a mediocre job at best. Players are players it is up to the coaches to instill motivation and confidence. That is what the team is sorely lacking.