AUSTIN --- For more than a decade, as Nick Saban has built one of the defining dynasties in the history of the sport, Alabama has carried an aura of championship inevitability.
As predictable as its classic uniforms and Saban's sideline growl, Alabama's title contention has been as reliable as an annuity. Sure, there have been dips and surprises, but the Tide have reached seven of the eight College Football Playoffs and won six of the past 13 national titles.
Alabama's place in the sport's championship conversation has been simply accepted as part of the sport's soundtrack. It will remain there on Saturday after the No.