Tide spent money well on Saban

TUSCLAOOSA — So let’s get this out of the way.

Nick Saban is still grossly overpaid. An economist told me this, and from a number-crunching standpoint, I believe him. History majors, like myself, aren’t exactly wizards with the calculator. But after witnessing Alabama’s domination of Tennessee 41-17 on Saturday, you have to wonder if the money is better spent than originally thought.

This may sound like a broken record, but Saban constantly preaches overcoming adversity. If you go back to every news conference since preseason practice, he has made some reference to that in some form.

Well, I have to ask, how much more “adverse” does it get than learning the day before your team plays an important rival that you’re going to be without five players?

And we’re not talking five scrubs here. Antoine Caldwell is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the league but was suspended. He blocks for Glen Coffee, a top running back, and another suspended player. Then you have Marlon Davis, who starts at right guard and also couldn’t play. Cornerback Marquis Johnson and special teams player Chris Rogers were banned from participating.

According to a university release, the five were suspended because of “impermissible receipt of textbooks.”

Whatever that means, Saban didn’t let it affect him. At least not that we know of. But more importantly, it didn’t affect the players.

“We forgot about it already,” Tide linebacker Darren Mustin said. “He said we talk about it once. We talk about it now (at a team meeting), and we forget about it, and we did and came out and played ball.”

When asked during Saturday’s postgame conference about the issue, Saban didn’t say, “No comment.” He didn’t take the path of least resistance. Instead, he wore his heart on his sleeve.

“You’ve heard me say it before, that we can’t tolerate poor judgment,” Saban said. “You need to do what’s right, and when you don’t do what’s right, most of the time, there’s serious consequences. I don’t know what the extent of this will be in the future, and the consequences relative to it.”

He went on to say that informing the players of their suspensions was “one of the most difficult things I had to do.” He added that he would support them.

Saban’s decisiveness and candor are part of what makes him worth his large salary.

Unlike former coach Mike Shula, he doesn’t sit around and inform the world of suspensions when players magically disappear from rosters for games.

Saban tells you like it is, which is important when you’re in the business of getting the information out.

Furthermore, who knows how previous regimes would have reacted following key suspensions before such an important game? How can you keep a team focused with 40 percent of its starting offensive line unable to play?

Well, Saban somehow did it and then some.

When the Crimson Tide hired Saban, it wanted him to win big games. No matter how — within the rules, obviously — that pretty much was the mandate.

To not just win, but physically dominate Tennessee is an accomplishment in its own right. But to do it without those five players says a lot about the coach himself.

Following the game, near the end of his opening statement to reporters, Saban’s voice waffled a little bit.

He was clearly touched by the players who bought into his words and helped the Crimson Tide to a win. It was a bizarre moment for someone who has built his reputation as a tough-as-nails coach.

It was a defining moment for Saban as the Alabama coach. His honeymoon is over, and the successful marriage is just beginning.