A year ago, Mike Shula couldn’t remember the names of his Alabama players. He knows their names now, and they know a lot more about him.
“Everyone is more comfortable,” Shula said. “The staff has spent less time getting to know each other and more time focusing on what we want to do. The players also know better what to expect.”
Alabama finished 4-9 in 2003, its first nine-loss season in 48 years. It gets its first big test against Mississippi on Saturday, and a win would be a boost for the Crimson Tide, which has an easier schedule in 2004 than last year.
“They don’t have Eli [Manning],” Shula said, “but they have a good defense and some good players on offense. It will be a good measuring stick.”
Quarterback Brodie Croyle, coming off surgery on his left shoulder, has had a year to work with Shula, who played quarterback at Alabama and coached quarterbacks for the Dolphins.
“He has more of a college mind-set,” Croyle said. “Last year he was trying to install his offense. This year he has brought the whole team together.”
Croyle, who threw for 205 yards with two touchdowns in the 48-17 win over Utah State, has freshmen Matt Caddell, D.J. Hall and Keith Brown and sophomore Tyrone Prothro as receivers.
“We have a better idea of our depth,” Shula said. “We will play some talented guys without much experience.”
Nine true freshmen played against Utah State.
Anthony Bryant anchors the defensive line, DeMeco Ryans leads a group of solid linebackers and Roman Harper returns at free safety. In 2003, the defense gave up a school record 333 points.
“[Shula] has grown up,” Ryans said. “He knows us, and we know more about him.”
At 38, Shula also has learned a lot about today’s players. He was astonished most of them didn’t know who Mark Duper and Mark Clayton are.
“Football tops the list in Alabama,” Shula said. “It is tougher for the players. It is a profession for the coaches. With talk radio and the Internet, it never stops. Winning is the only thing that is accepted.
“There is little patience, and that’s hard on players.”
