for that support to continue.

It seems when we have great seasons and do not follow up, with great recruiting years, the excuse is they did not sign with us because they wanted to go where they had opportunity to play right away. Now when we offer that chance to play right away, the excuse is we had a terrible year.

Saban was able to come in and right the Alabama program and to continue great recruiting years. We were there once but have fallen back in the mediocre pack and seem to accept it.

...the reality and recognition of an unprecedented string of injuries last season with "acceptance of mediocrity."  

And I don't get why people are labeling the injury situation as just "excuses."  ANY coaching staff at any level would have had difficulties dealing with that.

I'd rather look forward to the season with optimism.  One thing that was very impressive about recruiting this season to me is that we did not lose any commits on signing day.  That has not always been the case.  I think having a Top 10 class under the circumstances is outstanding, particularly given that our competitors had a lot of fodder for negative recruiting tactics (some of which was supplied and enhanced by our own fans!)  I like the staff changes, I really like what I saw of Duke's offense in their bowl game, and I'm looking forward to some very pleasant surprises in the fall.