We’ve gone back and forth here a few times at RBR as to when the Dynasty ended, if it ever did, and indeed, whether there were two separate phases to it. But at the end of the day, the discussion always seemed academic. Because even as we acknowledged the ongoing greatness that we were witnessing, we always knew this coming season would more or less be the same: Be atop the division, compete for the SEC title, be in the playoff discussion, perhaps compete for a national title. Pencil in 10-11 regular season wins, save your money for the very real prospect of a 15-game season.
We were spoiled by the results, which speak for themselves.
Above all, we were spoiled by the stability. No matter what distractions swirled around the sport, no matter how many assistants left, no matter the roster turnover, we could expect a preternatural degree of consistency from the players and from the program. Inconsistent efforts were as maddening as they were outliers. You knew what you were getting from the Saban Murderbot.
But that world died two months ago.
We won’t write the eulogy for Alabama football, nor the hagiography of Saint Nick just yet — as we saw in the Senate this week, I don’t think his final chapter has yet to be written. Still, we must have a reckoning as a fanbase and with ourselves: It’s time to move on, and yes, we were exceptionally spoiled.
