If the first-round (technically second-round) loss to Creighton in the NCAA tournament did not alert you anyway, I’ll reiterate it: Alabama can’t win a national championship in every sport. Blasphemous, I know. I can see the pitchforks and torches from here.

Anyway, pick up the pieces of your former, now shattered reality and look forward a little bit. There’s still hope for another national title, right? There’s no surprise that the softball team is embarrassing opponents left and right, and (shocker alert coming up) the gymnastics team is poised for another shot at winning it all.

What about some of the other sports? Some teams on campus are dealing with high expectations but still have some work to do. Should you fret about it, or be patient? Give up on the team, or talk it up to everyone and look like a genius when they come through in the clutch?

I’ll let you know where you should be residing in The Crimson White Panic Meter. On a scale from zero to 10, a zero means you’re crazy for worrying about that team; a five means the panic is there, but not overwhelming; and a 10 means you need to jump ship like this team’s bandwagon is the Titanic.

Baseball, with relation to making a regional championship game: 6.5

Mitch Gaspard’s squad (9-15, 1-5 Southeastern Conference) has been plagued by inexperience this season. Alabama has turned to pitchers Taylor Gilbeau, Justin Kamplain, Jon Keller and Spencer Turnbull, all freshmen, for 15 starts in 24 games this season. Not to mention starting a freshman at catcher, third base, second base, right field and designated hitter.

I can’t make myself rule this team out of a regional championship game completely, because just last season Alabama reached that point after experiencing a five-game losing streak in the middle of SEC play, a slide not far away from the one the Tide is experiencing now.

But, the deciding factor for me is the youth. In the 2011 campaign, Alabama could always turn to senior pitcher Nathan Kilcrease for a solid outing. There was also Adam Morgan on the mound and Brock Bennett at the plate, who could carry the Tide if necessary. The Tide doesn’t have that luxury anymore.

I’m not ready to tuck-and-run from this team because the freshmen pitchers, especially Gilbeau, have shown promise at times. If one of them has command of their stuff at the right time, a well-placed upset could happen. More on that story as it develops.

Men’s basketball recruiting: 3

You’re probably thinking, “Recruiting? What? The team is so young that head coach Anthony Grant doesn’t need to bring anyone else in!” I see your point. A good one, I’ll admit, and raise you JaMychal Green.

He needs to be replaced, right? Plus, now with his departure, Alabama does not have a big man that can play on an All-SEC level on both ends of the floor.

But hey, the good thing is, Grant is bringing in … oh … wait … no one as of right now. Not only does Alabama not have a single name on board for the 2012 class, but the Tide recently lost a point guard commitment from the 2013 class. The one commitment Alabama does have is a three-star power forward for 2013, one year too late.

Now, let’s not fret yet, Alabama faithful. It’s only March 27. Grant pulled the steal of the class on May 18, bringing in Trevor Lacey over programs like Kansas and Kentucky. Grant’s always been known as a recruiter. But, if May comes and goes, you’ll see this panic number get higher.