Coach Saban's defensive complexity

[RJ YellowHammer]

Are enough players struggling with the scheme to merit "simplifying" it? this is also a good question

Imo, the answer is a resounding no.

1. Coach Saban's defense is as close to an NFL defense as you'll find in CFB. When we're recruiting the top flight guys, who you're worried about, that's one of the big selling points - You'll be more prepared for the NFL if you play here.
2. As I've tried to show in this thread, talent evaluation is an inexact science. In fact, a lot of it is "projection." Some of the guys don't grow or continue developing; they reach they're peak earlier than some late bloomers. Some players just aren't as good as everyone thought they were.
3. Regular students wash out of college at a huge rate. Girls, partying, home sickness, or maybe they just have to go to work to help out a struggling family. Football players aren't any different. Just like an academically gifted student that doesn't study, costing them a scholarship, some football players don't apply themselves to learning the game.

i'll ask another question... just because a defense is "simplified" a little, does that automatically equate to losing the effectiveness?

That probably depends on what you simplify.

 

[CajunCrimson]

all i was ever saying was it was a good question, one i've thought of myself because of certain players never seeing the field, and obviously i'm not the only one who thinks about it since i'm not the one who started this thread and not the poster on the other board that the OP is referring to...

Are enough players struggling with the scheme to merit "simplifying" it? this is also a good question

i said in my original response that the OP posted a good question and probably has more than one good answer...

i can only think of a few examples of players that i thought could have/should have made an impact by now that are losing playing time to younger players, and it because they apparently dont have a good enough grasp on the scheme to earn playing time... based soley on that question, do those few players merit a change? i would say no, based on the fact we have succeeded without them

i'll ask another question... just because a defense is "simplified" a little, does that automatically equate to losing the effectiveness?

You make good points. People will listen to your opinion more, when your posts are less emotional, less "rude", and you are more open to a friendly debate.

I think it's a complex defense. I also think that Coach realizes that the system is part of what will attract NFL caliber kids to come to UA. They know that he'll get you ready. They know that NFL clubs will respect what he does, and will look harder at our kids, then under previous regimes. 7 kids drafted last year. 3 first rounders this year. 3 likely next year (maybe 4)......... I like the complexity of it.

For years in the US, we've simplified things so more people can participate, and we've lost our edge. Ultimately, when you simplify, you make it easier to lose.

I think it's a great system.........