The era that produced our last NC has been over for quite some time. When Saban saw that he had to also out scheme quality opponents as well as recruit and develop at an elite level, it told the entire football world you need both.
Here's where I see it today. After the past dozen years, no way could the above happen in one. So we need the schemes to compete at a higher level than we've been. This coaching staff has brought that. Go back and watch the game again just looking at schemes on both sides of the ball as well as play calls/formations/alignments. Heup did not use 25% of the O playbook he's used at other stops. Banks did not use a good portion of what he has at previous stops, but especially from PSU. The breakdowns we saw were missed assignments, not poor design. Add in the second half adjustments were spot on for who they have on the roster at this stage. I am very impressed and pleased they are our coaches. Schematically they are at the high end of how the game has progressed. I have not been able to say that for a very long time.
So now it becomes about the recruiting and player development. They have some players who are clearly much better than they have been in the past. They are in better condition, quicker responding and have more physicality. Most seem to play smarter. However, it's a process and will take time. We do not yet have the QB we need. Will see if Heup/staff can develop Milton or one of the others into a better version of themselves. But if they continue progressing as a program, eventually they will recruit better talent at that and other positions like LB as well.
I'm moving from cautiously optimistic to optimistic. Not a sunshine pumper yet, but progressing that direction. If they lay an egg against Pitt I will not view it as a negative for the program overall because I believe this staff will make adjustments and changes to make things better until proven differently in a few years.