TUSCALOOSA, Ala.—When Steadman Shealy watches Alabama these days, it looks ever so familiar. The punishing offense, the relentless defense, the unflagging consistency.

It reminds the former Crimson Tide quarterback of the Bear Bryant powerhouses from his own playing days 30 years ago.

“They just look more like Alabama, what we expect Alabama to look like,” said Shealy, who played for Bryant’s final national championship teams in 1978 and 1979. “They hit. They’re disciplined. They’re not making mistakes and they’re pretty well finishing it. They’re doing well in the four...

Log-In to view full story or view our Registration Guide.