I hate to say it, but it’s undeniable. Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban has sealed the deal. He will definitely go down as the greatest coach in the BCS era. He will win a fourth crystal ball this season.

With the collapse of Arkansas and the numerous injuries to the LSU offense, the Tide has virtually no competition throughout the stretch of the season. Sure, LSU, Mississippi State and A&M will put up fights against Alabama, but, in the end, it won’t matter. In January, the Tide will be at the top of the BCS.

Nick Saban, a coach famous for his defense, recruiting and controversial temper, will win his fourth championship, three of them being with the Tide; the other with the LSU Tigers. Year after year, Saban has produced pro-like talent, especially from the defensive side of the ball, and has been able to replace these players.

Granted, there are other good teams outside the SEC. West Virginia is scary. Oregon is still a force. Florida State… well, not Florida State. These teams, save for the Seminoles, are talented, but they’re just not SEC-caliber. The SEC has a different breed of athlete that other conferences can’t compete with.

I hate to think it, but it’s the truth. The only team in the West that could beat ‘Bama just lost numerous players in their loss to Florida in the Swamp. If, and this is a huge if, the Tigers can get back to 100 percent, the Tide may have some competition. But, pending the apocalypse in December, it looks like it’ll be a crimson and white kind of year.