CBS broadcaster Gary Danielson is usually one of Alabama’s biggest cheerleaders. He has called the Crimson Tide’s games on television for years, and he has seen them win countless championships. But this year is different. Alabama is struggling, and Danielson is stumped.
“I’m stumped on this one,” Danielson said on CBS Sports Radio. “I don’t know what’s wrong with Alabama. They’re not the same team they were last year.”
Alabama is currently 2-1, with a narrow win over Texas A&M and a loss to Tennessee. The Crimson Tide have not looked like themselves on either side of the ball. The offense has been inconsistent, and the defense has been vulnerable to the big play.
Danielson said that he is concerned about Alabama’s intimidation factor. He believes that opponents are no longer afraid of the Crimson Tide.
“I think teams are not afraid of Alabama anymore,” Danielson said. “They know that Alabama can be beaten. They’re not the same juggernaut that they were a few years ago.”
Danielson said that Alabama needs to find a way to get back to playing with the swagger and confidence that they have been known for in recent years.
“Alabama needs to find a way to get their swagger back,” Danielson said. “They need to start playing like they’re the best team in the country. They need to make their opponents believe that they can’t be beaten.”
Alabama has a big game this Saturday against Arkansas. The Razorbacks are a good team, and they are coming off a big win over Texas A&M. If Alabama loses to Arkansas, it will be their first two-game losing streak since 2010.
Unfortunately, there will be no Gary Danielson on the call for the Bama vs Ole Miss game this weekend.
CBS has a double-header and Gary will be at the Iowa at Penn State night game.
A real shame. pic.twitter.com/StkxtN1Bdr
— Jon Tweets Sports (@jontweetssports) September 21, 2023Danielson said that Alabama’s intimidation factor is at stake this Saturday. If the Crimson Tide lose to Arkansas, it will be a clear sign that they are no longer the dominant team that they have been in recent years.
Here are some possible reasons for Alabama’s early-season struggles:
- New offensive coordinator: Alabama has a new offensive coordinator this year in Bill O’Brien. O’Brien is a good coach, but he is still learning the Crimson Tide’s offense. It may take some time for him to get the offense up to speed.
- New quarterback: Alabama also has a new quarterback this year in Bryce Young. Young is a talented player, but he is still young and inexperienced. He may need some time to develop into a top-flight quarterback.
- Rebuilding defense: Alabama lost a lot of key players on defense last year. The Crimson Tide are still rebuilding their defense, and it may take some time for them to get back to being one of the best defenses in the country.
Despite their early-season struggles, Alabama is still a very talented team. They have the potential to win the national championship this year. But they will need to find a way to get their offense and defense playing at a high level.