Sat, Jul 04 2009
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Published October 06, 2008 09:23 pm - Looks like Nick Saban finally helped Alabama find that identity it was searching for last fall. Where did the Crimson Tide coach find it? In the loveliest village — better known as Auburn. JUSTIN GRAVES: Looks like Tide, Tigers swapped identities before season started By Justin Graves jgraves@cullmantimes.com Looks like Nick Saban finally helped Alabama find that identity it was searching for last fall.
Where did the Crimson Tide coach find it? In the loveliest village — better known as Auburn. When Saban was hired at the Capstone, the only thing he was expected to steal from Auburn was a few recruits — and maybe a few Iron Bowl victories. Tommy Tuberville saw the writing on the wall. The Auburn coach could see what was on the horizon, and it wasn’t good for his program. Having a recruiter like Saban in the state was going to affect Auburn. There was no way around it, and Tuberville knew it. National signing day was an eye-opening experience for Tuberville. Somehow, some way, his biggest rival inked every major recruit in Alabama. How could Auburn survive with Saban recruiting like that? It takes great players to win big, and Alabama stole every single one of them from the Tigers’ primary recruiting base. Apparently that’s not the only thing Saban stole from Auburn. He also took the Tigers’ identity. Seeing what was on the horizon, Tuberville tried to be proactive — hiring Tony Franklin and changing to the spread offense. The Auburn teams of old were built around the run. Strong rushing attacks is how Tuberville beat Alabama six times in a row. Auburn has great backs on its team this year, but Tuberville wants to run a pass-oriented offense without the luxury of a proven quarterback? It’s a recipe for destruction, especially since Saban is winning — and winning big — by doing what Auburn has done so well in recent years. Alabama has a physical offensive line to go along with three very good running backs. The Crimson Tide may not have the most consistent quarterback in the Southeastern Conference, but it’s not like John Parker Wilson is being asked to carry the team on his shoulders. Neither was Brandon Cox. Jason Campbell didn’t have to, either. 
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