From the Sideline — Bama Looks Like it Should Against Georgia State

My opening comment to Coach Nick Saban on his weekly television show was basically the same as always - but with a slight change from the norm.

"Coach, congratulations not only on the victory, but for the way your team went about its business in the 45-3 win."

A blowout over Georgia State was certainly expected by everybody. But how would Alabama arrive at its fifth win in as many games?

Would they slop their way through the game, and win on superior talent - much as they did against Colorado State? Or would they simply line up and whip a winless team?

On a steamy October Saturday, the Crimson Tide's starting unit played like Bama fans would hope. The nation's top-ranked team dominated the Panthers in all three phases before giving way to less-experienced guys, who saw valuable playing time on homecoming at the Capstone.

A.J. McCarron typified the razor-sharp manner in which the Tide picked apart its opponent. Take your pick on which of McCarron's numbers were most impressive. I'll probably go with the fact that the only incompletion he threw in 16 attempts probably wasn't even his fault. Freshman O.J. Howard, who is looking more and more each week like the star we all heard he can become, likely misread the back-shoulder throw that McCarron made.

Regardless of the fact that Georgia State is one of the lowest ranked teams in college football, Alabama's effort was another step in the right direction. On the heels of a shutout of Ole Miss, this was the type of performance the Tide needed to have.

Coach Saban told me that this team has practiced well, but they hadn't necessarily carried that into a game. Saturday, they did.

Alabama played with high energy from the start, and executed at a high level. That's a great combination, and a formula that will likely lead this team to a win every time.