Chris Stewart Sports

8:45 p.m. CST - Out of Coffee, but 1-0 in the SEC....

I had to look at the note a second time before I could believe it, but today was the first time since 2003 that Alabama opened up  SEC play with a victory.

And it was a big one.

I'm not ready to get sized again for an SEC Championship ring, but this was a much-needed way to begin the conference schedule. It has been awhile since any of these players have tasted real success in SEC play. Some of them never have. For the others, it has been three years since they have finished above .500 mark in the league. Some people have to learn how to win. Others have to re-learn that skill.

Several weeks ago, I wrote that my fear was that this team might be suffer growing pains while moving through the non-conference portion of the schedule, to the extent that any improvement taking place to be overshadowed by negativity surrounding the program. Thankfully, while there has been a degree of that, the Tide have been able to work through it, play tough on both end of the floor, and show a level of improvement that has them apparently ready to compete in the SEC.

Can they take that next step and win away from home? That question will be quickly answered over the course of the next week, with road games at Miss. State and Auburn in the next six days.

Goodbye to Mr. Coffee... 

Like any Alabama fan, I hate to see Glen Coffee leave Tuscaloosa. There is no doubt that the Crimson Tide will miss him. You combine his departure with that of Andre Smith, Antoine Caldwell, and John Parker Wilson, and those are key pieces that will very tough to replace next season.

Like Nick Saban says whenever someone leaves (or is unavailable due to injury or suspension) it opens up an opportunity for someone else to step in and get the job done. The most obvious candidates to attempt that would be Mark Ingram and Roy Upchurch. Another highly sought-after prospect from the state of Florida could also factor in the mix. 

My opinion of players leaving school early has changed over the years. When I was younger, I used to think that everyone should stay and get their degree. That thinking has changed. While I certainly think there is still great value in a diploma, I can also understand the thinking of players to take the money now. Tomorrow is not guranteed. Neither is the money. But if you can become a mid-round draft pick, that is a lot more money than most of us will make this year - or the next several, for that matter.

I understand those that say if you come back for another year, you can improve your status and become an even higher pick, for even more money. That's true, and the upside is tremendous.

But what if you are in a situation where you can make several hundred thousand dollars, right now. And that is more money than anybody in your family has ever dreamed of making?

I'm not saying that is the case with Glen Coffee. I really don't know anything about his family or their financial situation. I'm speaking in general terms here.

The obvious, long-term decision would be to stick around, enjoy another year of school, and make yourself better prepared for the next level.

But sometimes it's hard to wait for what's best in the long run, when you are having to deal with the realities of right now.