re: If the Tigers lose to Alabama; is the season still a success

Success? Yes. But this team, had championship aspirations/expectations this year, like most, however, this a realistic year to have those lofty goals.
If championships are the measure, in reasonable championship years, then it falls short.
And I dont think that is a bad thing. Just means we are an elite program and championships are now the standard in evaluating years. Have to have a mindset like the Celtics and Patriots to accomplish such a daunting feat in a given year.