ATLANTA — Alabama’s football team does not slog through the rebuilding process like most programs. It just emerges every fall as a national championship contender. Coach Nick Saban, who is in his ninth season with the Crimson Tide, has led them to three Southeastern Conference championships and three national championships, and they will play for a fourth SEC title on Saturday in the Georgia Dome here against Florida.
Is there a hiccup looming for the Crimson Tide — even a slight one? A number of significant players could be preparing to leave Alabama, including the players most responsible for the identity of the current team, which is 11-1.