Nick Saban says nothing is wrong with Alabama's culture

Because of the success that Alabama typically has under Nick Saban, a season that ends in two losses generates plenty of questions about the future of the program. That has once again happened in 2022, as the Crimson Tide went 10-2 and did not win the SEC West. But after the regular season ended, Saban insisted to the media that there is nothing wrong with the state of the program.

“That’s what you need for people to see the culture and the support and the passion that people have to want to have a successful program. I think it’s huge,” Saban said. “I think when people are negative and critical, it makes people have questions about the culture of the program and the culture of the program here is just as good as it’s always been. The players compete just as well as they always have. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the culture here. We lost two games by four points. Nobody feels worse about that than me and the players, who made a tremendous commitment to try to win those games in tough places on the road. Nothing else I can say about it.”

Alabama looked like it was on pace for another title-contending season early on. The Crimson Tide started the season 6-0 and looked like a dominant force once again. But a shootout game against Tennessee resulted in a three-point loss. Just two games later, Alabama suffered another loss, this time at the hands of LSU. With LSU having the tiebreaker on Alabama, the SEC Championship game was then out of the question.

While most schools would take a 10-2 season, it is no doubt a letdown for the Crimson Tide, who contend for titles on a yearly basis. It was perhaps more disappointing, considering Alabama had players like quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson, who are both expected to be top draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Alabama waiting on postseason plans

Since Alabama is not playing for the SEC title right now, it will likely have to await its bowl destination. While there is still a small chance the Crimson Tide sneak into the College Football Playoff, a New Year’s Six bowl game looks far more likely.

CBS Sports updated its bowl projections following rivalry week. The Crimson Tide are currently predicted to face Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Eve.