Well, to me they've been heads and tails better than last year. Outside the Cleveland game, they have been in every game and have been in situations where they could have won. They've beaten some very good teams and have lost some close ones. Personally, that just shows me they are making improvements. Unfortunately, they haven't been able to win many of those games but to me I feel they are making strides. Last year I just felt they were completely hopeless.
I believe in Saban. I like what I hear from him. I like the fact he has a sense of direction and goals for the team. I never got that from Wannstedt.
Everyone is different and people may think this team sucks just as bad as last year. Well, that's their perspective and that might be yours too. My perspective is a bit different. :)