I am going with the team buying the hype, the coaches thinking we could play it safe and cruise to a win, and the usual hiccups and first game jitters / sloppiness. If those things are true and we fix them then the sky (or Alabama) is the limit. If that is not the case, get ready for a rough season. We won't play that sloppy and win again with our schedule.
What we saw last night is not a playoff caliber team. I do think the makings of such a team are there though, just time for everyone to put it together. A killer season will demand everyone's best effort, more than they have shown us so far but I think they can be a juggernaut with all cylinders firing.
No numbers because I refuse to believe that what we witnessed vs Appy will define the character and capability of this team. Bristol should be revealing one way or another.