A 9-3 overall record, 5-3 conference record and a berth in the Capital One Bowl versus the No. 7 ranked MSU Spartans would be considered a successful season at most programs across the country.

Not at Alabama. Not in the SEC. This was a “down” year..

Coming off of a national championship, the Crimson Tide faithful had high expectations as always in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

The Tide could not find an offensive identity this season. Their attack was balanced, but not on a consistent basis. They tried to prove to themselves that quarterback Greg McElroy was more than just a game manager and sometimes got away from what traditionally has helped them have success.

The running game was an afterthought to the passing attack this season. McElroy was brilliant at times, but held on to the ball too long and took bad sacks. It’s not entirely his fault. The offensive play calling was predictable.

Runs up the middle on first down, wildcat formation or screen passes on second down, and passes to wideout Julio Jones on third down were the extent of the Alabama play calling.

Blown coverages and missed assignments are what sum up the Tide’s season on defense. Most people will look to the secondary as the biggest weakness.

The secondary was shakybut they had a total of 21 interceptions. The defensive unit as a whole was the weakest link of this year’s team.

They only totaled 22 sacks in 12 games, which, when you do the math, is less than two a game. They could not get pressure consistently on the opposing quarterback with their down lineman, which often put the young secondary in bad positions.

The defense has a built-in excuse. Any time you lose nine starters off of a championship team, you are going to regress.