As those of you who read my column know, I’m a strong believer in: what takes place away from the football field affects what takes place on the football field, both positive and negative. And there’s no better example of the positive than the relationship between Alabama Quarterback AJ McCarron and his girlfriend, Katherine Webb. When athletes feel good about themselves and have a high sense of self-worth, and their lives are in harmony, they will perform close to their skill levels on a consistent basis. And in my opinion, McCarron’s relationship with Ms. Webb, who also happens to be Miss Alabama 2012, is one of the main reasons Alabama drubbed Notre Dame, 42-14. But keep in mind, in order for McCarron to have performed at the level he did he must possess the skill level, which he obviously does. Head coach Nick Saban can only hope that McCarron and Webb stick together and have a happy, loving relationship for the next year because if they do, there will be hot times in Tuscaloosa and the Tide will continue to roll.