Desmond Howard reveals why Alabama, Nick Saban are far from done as CFB superpower

Alabama, with two losses prior to Thanksgiving, is virtually eliminated from College Football Playoff contention this year. While any number of people have questioned whether this might, finally, be the beginning of the Nick Saban dynasty winding down, ESPN analyst Desmond Howard isn’t sold at all on the Alabama doom and gloom.

Speaking with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s First Take — where earlier in the week SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum had come and questioned where Alabama was headed — Howard explained his thinking as to why the Tide and Saban are struggling.

“He didn’t wake up and forget how to coach,” Howard said. “They have some issues at the receiver position. They have some issues on the backend of their defensive secondary. But those things, I think, are something that he’s had to deal with this year — it’s not something that’s going to linger and go on for next year and the following year. Alabama’s going to be OK. They’re gonna be fine. Nick Saban didn’t forget how to coach. I think it’s just a gross overreaction to two Ls.”

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The host gave his bit, with Smith harping on the deficiencies that have been well worn by this point. He also stated his disagreement with the “Benedict Arnold” Finebaum.

“He’s sitting there talking about ‘Alabama’s best days are over.’ Now, obviously this season, at No. 9, they don’t look like they’re going to be in the College Football Playoff and deservedly so, because I don’t like their receivers. I’m not happy. I’m not happy with their receivers at all and I’m not happy with how their defense has been in spots.”

Howard also pointed out that in the pair of losses, Alabama has been on the business end of the opposing teams best performance to date. Yes, Alabama did lose those games, Howard acknowledged, but they could just as easily by undefeated or have one loss and it’s a different discussion. It doesn’t change the reality, but Howard thinks the doom projecting is happening too soon.

“People look at these Ls, the losses they’ve taken, keep in mind — on the road, Tennessee, chance to win a game, the field goal kicker missed it and then obviously Tennessee’s field goal kicker made theirs. But you’re looking at a team that, when they play, they’re getting the best out of their opponents. It took Tennessee’s A+ game to win that game. Last week, Baton Rouge, LSU, it took overtime and the best we’ve seen LSU look all season for them to win another close game against Alabama. So, I think that the knee jerk reaction, Stephen A., is a little too much for me,” Howard said.

Though Howard did have one final word of warning for Saban and Alabama.

“Now, Stephen A., if he loses to Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss,” Howard said, “then all hell is going to break loose.