Are we serious about uncharted waters and Nick Saban? In terms of his Alabama football tenure, we absolutely are. Crimson Tide fans will not know until Saturday morning but it is possible Nick Saban will choose to start as many as five true freshmen against Southern Miss.
Given the situational and rotational nature of Saban’s complicated defenses, it will be hard to define if the exact number is five. In the Tide’s new base defense, the nickel, the lineup will almost surely be D.J. Dale at nose, Justin Eboigbe at defensive end (replacing the injured LaBryan Ray), Shane Lee at Mike linebacker and Jordan Battle at safety.