AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSaban not fond of new recruiting rule
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The SEC coaches met with the media by conference call on Thursday to talk about spring practice and other issues related to next season. I’ll be doing a complete spring wrapup at the end of the month, but here are a few interesting tidbits that came out of the call.
1. Saban does not like new recruiting rule: Alabama coach Nick Saban is very much a hands-on recruiter. So he does not like the new rule that prohibits head coaches from visiting high schools during the May recruiting period. The change was put into place because it was becoming more difficult to enforce the rules that kept head coaches from having direct contact with the recruits. Head coaches could “bump” into the recruit during the visit but they could not carry on a conversation. “It’s ridiculous that we’re doing what we’re doing,” Saban said. “We put ourselves at a tremendous disadvantage.” Saban was asked this new rule was directed at him. Saban is known in coaching circles as a very aggressive recruiter. “I’d rather not answer that,” he said. “Everybody can draw their own conclusions.”
2. Tim Tebow can improve: Florida coach Urban Meyer said a good bit of the spring was spent trying to get Tebow, the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, to stay in the pocket more and not run as soon as he feels defensive pressure. “He’s one of the best players of our era but he most improve his ability to play in the pocket,” Meyer said. Meyer also said he had to be talked into letting the ESPN cameras set up at last Saturday’s spring game. But he also conceded that it never hurts recruiting for the world to see 60,000 people at Florida’s spring game.
3. The HBC will still call some plays: South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said he will turn some of the play calling duties over to Steve Spurrier, Jr., but that he will still be the offensive coordinator. “I just think it (not calling all the plays) does free you up during the week,” Spurrier said. “I’m going to try to help the entire offense and the entire team.” Spurrier said he was spending too much of his time writing down plays while the rest of his offensive assistants watched. “I’m still going to have my input in the play calling,” he said.
4. Auburn will be running more plays. A lot more plays. Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville rolled the dice last December before the Chick-fil-A Bowl when he hired Tony Franklin to install the spread offense. “About an hour before the game I was nervous wondering if it was going to work,” Tuberville said. Then Tuberville saw the results. In 12 regular season games Auburn averaged about 67 plays. Auburn ran 90 plays in beating Clemson 23-20 in overtime. “This is a league that is built on defensive players, a solid kicking game and some skilled players on offense,” Tuberville said. “The last few seasons we haven’t been able to recruit those skill players. This is an offense that gives those kinds of players opportunities. It will be a little easier to recruit to.”
5. Watch UK’s Trevard Lindley: Last season Kentucky had some of the league’s best players on offense. This season the Wildcats will have to lean on their defense until the offense grows up. Coach Rich Brooks said it is time for people in this league to notice cornerback Trevard Lindley of Hiram. “He is as good as anybody in the country,” Brooks said. “And he will be even better this year. He just has a knack for making plays.” Lindley, a 6-0, 175-pound junior, intercepted three passes, broke up 11, and caused two fumbles in 2007. He returned one of those fumbles 66 yards for a touchdown in an upset win over Arkansas.
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Comments
By The truth hurts...
April 18, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
You know, I swore there was a football team over there in Tuscaloosa. What are they called again? All this talk about Saban and it slipped my mind. Saban this and Saban that. This guy gets more pub than his team does.
Sounds like Meyer is trying to save some face after the whole ESPN thing came off as over-indulgent and carnival like. Not even the Buckeyes have kissed up to ESPN like that before. It was laughable.
Yet another coach who overshadows his own team. That is rarely a good sign. It doesn’t matter who calls the plays at South Carolina. They will be mediocre regardless. Lou Holtz couldn’t sustain anything there. Spurrier hasn’t done anything yet in three tries. We’ll be sitting here 100 years from now waiting for South Carolina to make its big push towards the elite.
The spread is a gimmicky fad that has already seen its best days. Defenses are adjusting. It isn’t anything new that hasn’t been seen before. There has been too much instability at Auburn. That takes its toll. That was a nice little run Auburn had there in the mid-00’s but they are on the way down. Tubberville said it himself. They don’t have those kind of players anymore.
“This season the Wildcats will have to lean on their defense until the offense grows up.”
Translation: Back to bottomdweller status for the Cats.
By Atlanta Gator
April 18, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Is it just me, or does Saban sometimes seem like he’s in love with himself?
The Three keys to the Gators’ 2008 season: (1) Tebow runs fewer times, and passes more; (2) a marquee running back emerges to take the pressure off Tebow to run more; and (3) the athletes in the Gators’ defensive backfield rise to the challenge of the best offenses the Gators’ play.
I still respect the Old Ball Coach, and I think he’s still got plenty of life left in him, but it’s tough to imagine him giving up his play-calling duties. If he does, that would be a fairly radical change in his coaching style.
Tuberville needed to do something. The Auburn defense has been carrying the program for the past 3 or 4 years, and you still have to score more points than the other team to win.
I didn’t know about Lindley’s local connection, but we’ll be watching now. Sadly, as the Wildcats take a step backward this year, his efforts may not get the attention he deserves.
By George G.
April 18, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
Yeah…9, 11, 10 and 13 wins over the last four years…AUBURN IS OBVIOUSLY ON THE WAY DOWN!!!
By jason
April 18, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
The Truth Hurts- Regarding statements 1 through 4: there are three MNC’s and an undefeated season represented by those coaches. Don’t get me wrong, they are all jerks. But they’re talented jerks.
By BillyBrave in Germany
April 18, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
Could have saved alot of cyber-trees by just saying LSU will beat GA in the Championship game…(and in the regular season as well by the way)
By gatoray
April 18, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
almost think you are biased rather than an objective observer of the game. Your comments are laughable to many of us. Remember this is an AJC blog not a UGA one-but if comics are the best you have to offer it gives us something to read.
C
By tidefan00
April 18, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Wow, I see there is Saban Envy here in GA too. Thats cool. He just works his a* off and controls his team and coaches. If his success continues and his formula produces wins, I dont care how he acts. Bear Bryant wasnt exactly Mr. Personality.
By the way, if other coaches spent less time at the hunting club or leading prayer breakfasts and mission trips, maybe they would be the King of Recruiting, and not Saban. The guys works his a* off and people want to criticize that? Thats silly. Prepare for the second coming of the Tide. And its ok to be afraid. Change is difficult for many.
By Roswell Ed
April 18, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
For a man that hates the press so much he’s always in it.
2 “Yeah- I had to be talked into it- yeah that’s the ticket!”
See above.
WDE
Isn’t this blog supposed to be about football?
By banshee29
April 18, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Saban this, Saban that….. Blah, blah, blah….Enough already. And as far as the UGA comment goes. I fear the DAWG nation is going to cry in their suds if we loose a game or two and blame our National Titile hopes on a tough schedule. You cannot be the best if you don’t beat the best. LSU? We shall see if their passing attack maintains after loosing the second coming of the Round Mound of Touchdown. Tucky is good, but not championship caliber. And Tuberville? They will always be strong, no matter who the coach is. How much longer does the Great Pumpkin have in Knoxville?
By rtl
April 18, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Did he even mention UGG? Nervous aren’t we.
By FLA DAWG
April 18, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Saban might be a big mouth but he has recruited a top class already and will put Bama at the top again soon.
Tebow is one he!! of a great talent and blaming him for running when he feels pressure is a Meyer copout for an O line that The Dawgs and Michigan poured through at the end of last season.
SC will stink it up this year and Spurrier knows it. He’s about to say bye so he’s giving another one some experience before laying the mess in his lap.
Auburn and Bama are teams I always have great respect for but I am wary of this new offense. I think it was spotty at best against Clemson who they should have beaten by 14 points - not 3.
KY will have it tough this year - don’t they always! But losing key players with less depth than premier SEC Teams relegates this team toward the bottom in the SEC this year.
By Tom Lauerman
April 18, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Saban will work the grey areas of recruiting and continue to do things his way. Rules are made for other coaches.
I disagree w/ Meyer on this one. If the Gators want to win more games, then Tim Tebow needs to run more, not less. He is better when he takes off out of the pocket than when he stands still for the pass. Just my opinion.
Spurrier will be calling plays again full-time by the Georgia game. Bank it.
Auburn has traditionally been excellent with a tough defense and a ground attack offense. Why mess w/ success? To accomplish the Spread, they are going to have to leave the Alabama recruits behind and continue to venture into south Florida to recruit. This doesn’t make sense.
Kentucky has peaked. No matter who their starting corner back is, he can’t cover the entire field. They win seven games this year and they had better be happy w/ that.
By Scott
April 18, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
TideFan00, I don’t think too many Georgia fans are complaining about recent recruiting classes. BAMA had 32 slots to fill this year as Saban tries to turn the program around. UGA is to the point where it just reloads, and hopefully will never have that many slots available. Enjoyed your cheap shot at Richt for being a good guy though, HILARIOUS!
By rick
April 18, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Little Nicky Satan says it will put them at a disadvantage. Correct me if I am wrong but this rule is for everyone, not just parole tide. Auburn on the way down(don’t think so) We now have an offense and some qb’s who are multi-dimensional to go with our defense. Look out this year.
By PR
April 18, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Bottom line…Saban loves himself. He doesn’t like the new rule because it will prevent him from doing some sneaky deal with the kid and keeping it hush-hush. You know how Nick Saban is lying? His lips are moving.
By tennille dawg
April 18, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
The only race Saban is in with a chance to win is a two-man race with Less Miles. It’s to see who is the bigger jerk among SEC coaches. I think it is a vitual toss up!
By Roswell Ed
April 18, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Tidefan00:
So what your saying is that you would sell your soul to SABAN inorder to win football games?
Did you really take a swipe at a man because he is trying to make the world a better place?
Classy!!!!!
I would expect nothing less.
What is his record against the duck hunter?
By SEC Fan
April 18, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Tidefan:
Are you serious when you say that Saban controls his team and coaches? That is great stuff! I could go on for hours writing all the stuff that has gone on since he took over only last year. Also, if you think going on mission trips and helping others that are less fortunate is a bad quality in a coach you alabama fans are worse than I thought. You can recruit all you want but when you lose to la monroe at home I am not impressed. Stop stuffing your face with dreamland ribs and start praying you can beat auburn for once.
By Gene
April 18, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
It is absurd and counterproductive to education to have college recruiters chasing high school students around during the school day.
By Mike
April 18, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
SEC…the win at all costs conference. It is inevitable that you will get this sort of bending of the rules/cheating when you place such a priority on football over everything else (especially academics and character). Any SEC coach who actually sticks to the rules, and only recruits student-athletes who have some quality in their character, will lose and get drummed out of the league.
Ya gets what ya pays for, folks.
By Miles
April 18, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
Even though Nick Saban does not like the new recruiting rule, he’ll simply sharpen his skills and still remain on of the best recruiters in the country. Mr. Barnhart, I hope you’re correct when you say that Tim Tebow can improve, although topping last season’s feats will be quite a task. He certainly brings tremendous skill, extraordinary excitement, and boundless passion to the game. Steve Spurrier would be foolish to relinquish complete control of the play calling for the Gamecocks. As the best coach in college football, for Spurrier to hand over the play calling duties to another individual on the coaching staff would be a form of malfeasance and abandonment. Hopefully, Franklin and Kodi Burns can refine Auburn’s offense. The Tigers are loaded with talent. Kentucky is serious about football. In fact, beginning this year, there are only a handful of seats at Commonwealth Stadium that don’t require a donation prior to purchasing season seats. This is obviously a step in the right direction for a school committed to a competitive football program.
By All-SEC Fan
April 18, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
I’m a Tide fan - roll Tide! Alabama is #1. I’m right, so ignore all other blogger comments.
I’m an Auburn fan - War Eagle! Auburn will be #1 this year. I’m right. So don’t dispute it.
I’m a Gator fan. We’re the best and always will be! No, I’m not delusional even if everything one else thinks so. Don’t pay any never mind to all other bloggers that insist their team is #1.
I’m an LSU fan. Geaux Tiggers! Yes, I have a Tigger doll. So what? You wanna fight?
Goooo you hairy dawgs! OK, you got me on this one. UGA is #1!
By shane #1
April 18, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
1-Saban and Meyer are aggressive recruiters, always pushing the envelope. Meyer’s overuse of text messaging resulted in the Meyer rule, Saban’s habit of “bumping into” recruits has resulted in the “Saban” rule. High School principals and coachs complained because recruiters were disrupting Their schools, recruits and parents complained because some kids were getting up to 100 text messages a day, leaving the parents with huge cell phone bills. These coachs brought it all on Themselves. Saban needs to stop locking horns with the NCAA and the press, that’s a battle He will lose. 2-Tebow needs to trust His team mates, He can’t win it by Himself. 3-See #2. You are 63 Steve, You can’t do it all anymore. 4-Tubby had to do something, great defense, Auburn just didn’t score enough points. 5-UK lost too many seniors. Great kid, but one db isn’t going to win many games.
By stranded
April 18, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Scott,
TideFan00 is one of those rednecks over here in Alabama that still “cling” to the memories of the past because that’s all they have. Losing to LaMonroe is the “continued success” Saban has had. Most of these so-called Tide fans have never even been to Tuscaloosa, much less attended school there. Comparing Saban working his a** off to Richt’s prayer breakfasts and mission trips speaks itself and explains why TideFan00 has two zero’s at the end of his name. One would’ve been enough.
By Sterling
April 18, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
to tidefan00 …. ecuse me? the true measure isn’t recruiting, it’s performance on the field. Who won the UGA-AL game last year? Where did AL end up in the polls? AL hasn’t won any title or championships since Saban’s been there… maybe he needs to go on a mission trip.
By Jim
April 18, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
It’s funny that Mr. College Football’s blog never makes the “front page” on AJC.com unless it is about Nick Saban. How about that?
By m
April 18, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
South Carolina should be happy that they have a Spurrier (any Spurrier) calling plays and NOT a Gailey. Tech suffered for 6 years with the most pitifully inept playcalling by Gailey in college football history. And that was AFTER he promised he would not call the plays. Gailey sucks by a power so great that it would take the smartest Tech student in history to figure out the exponent. Thank God and Greyhound he is gone.
By Ray Goff
April 18, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Hey, if the Dawgs had the tradition and history that the Tide have, they wouldn’t have been playing Hawaii in the consolation game last year. Yeah, one title in 120 years, that’s impressive. Is Coach Harrick still teaching over there?
By halcombo
April 18, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
I think “Atlanta Gator” must have forgotten that Tuberville and Auburn have beaten Meyer and his over-hyped bunch the last two years. And, doesn’t Fla run the spread?
By Jason Too
April 18, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Sounds more like a vent page.
By GaTiger
April 18, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
TideFan00, I’m really glad you guys have a good coach. He’s obviously a good recruiter. Change is hard for many -especially Alabama- Its got to be hard watching Auburn rip your heart out year after year. Bring on your recruiting class and lets play ball. We are for sure not afraid. WDE. And I got Auburn for ” Seven ” in T-Town.
By AUtiger
April 18, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Regarding everyone’s skepticism about the spread offense.. I think it will work and it is already working for Auburn.
After only two weeks of preparation the Tigers put up 423 yards of total offense which was the most all season. And the was against a very good Clemson defense.
This offense has opened the doors wide open for recruiting. Auburn can now pick from ANY state in the southeast and they are venturing in places like Texas, Iowa, Virginia and California. They are getting looks from skill position players that wouldn’t give them the time or day because they were regarded as a running football team only.
Watch out for Kodi Burns. He had a very good spring running this offense and its the same offense he ran in high school and he is familiar with it.
If Auburn can avg. 25-30 points a game and stay consistant on defense they could go a long way this year.
By Coachs you love to hate
April 18, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Auburn 23, Clemson 20 in OI. What a joke for the supposedly best conference.
One day Tide will turn and all these squeak by victories for Tuberville will go the other way.
By Ramblin Wrecker
April 18, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
the truth hurts,
If the Q-tip begins to show resistance you are supposed to stop shoving it in.
The spread is a “gimmicky fad” that has already seen it’s best days? Gimme a break. Florida won a national championship in 2006, won a Heisman Trophy in 2007 running the spread. West Virginia beat Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl, despite not having RichRod coaching them. Oregon was on a path to a possible national title or at least BCS berth until Dennis Dixon’s knee blew out. This isn’t some fad, and defenses are not “adjusting” to the point that the spread offense is out of date and ineffective.
By shane #1
April 18, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Ray Goff, nope, Harrick got fired. He changed His name to Saban and took the head football job at Alabama.
By Bob Stoops
April 18, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
The OU game didn’t do anything to boster the spread offense, but it did show that I am one of the most overrated coach in America and with my recruits I have done what? Careful, the NC game was when and how long had I been at OU.
By tsmonk
April 18, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
“In 12 regular season games Auburn averaged about 67 plays. Auburn ran 90 plays in beating Clemson 23-20 in overtime.”
Isn’t the fact that they went into OT part of the reason that they ran more plays than usual?
By jon
April 18, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Imagine that the SEC making changes because of a coach that “may be using shady recruiting” tactics. Of course they should know cheating when they see it, they invented it!
By Pac-10 Fan
April 18, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
* As a Pac-10 fan (go ahead and say what you want SEC fans) I must admit the only teams I really have respect for in that conference are UGA, LSU, and UF. LSU plays well when they have to. UGA and UF are the most well-known SEC teams in the country. Most likely because both are very good academic institutions and athletic institutions. With that said, Pac-10 should be better than the SEC this year, just wait.*
By jayjay
April 18, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
auburn wins 7-8 games this year.kodi is no tim tebow.defense will also suffer after losing muschamp.final ranking of tigers-12-15th after the end of the year,something that they have gotten used to.
By AUtiger
April 18, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
tsmonk,
You right.
In one overtime it took Auburn 23 plays to gain 25 yards to score the game winning touchdown. They ran a QB sneak up the middle a gained 1 yard each play.
That’s how they got the 90 plays. Man you are smart.
By WarEagleClaw
April 18, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
As an Auburn fan, I’ve seen it
It all comes down to desire. Tommy Tuberville has lost his desire to work relentlessly. Mark Richt really doesn’t have to work that hard to recruit Georgia. Les Miles took what Saban built and is just maintaining it.
But, even though I despise both schools, Alabama and Florida have two coaches who NEVER STOP recruiting. They simply outwork everyone else. And, as a result, they get better recruiting classes.
We’ve owned Alabama for six years, mostly due to probation and awful coaching changes(I’ll admit that), but now Auburn is not moving at the same speed as Saban is. Georgia and LSU and Tennessee aren’t moving at the same speed as Urban Meyer is.
I hate to say it, but in about 3 years, Nick Saban will have a semi-pro team sitting in Tuscaloosa that will lose maybe 4 games over a 3 year span.
And, if ESPN keeps kissing up to Tebow Nation and Florida, they’re going to have the same thing.
People can complain about Saban and Meyer all they want, but I sure wish Tuberville had their drive and ability when it came to recruiting. He doesn’t and the only reason he’s survived is by beating an Alabama team that EVERYONE else beats too. My fellow Auburn fans don’t seem to realize that Alabama is so crappy nowadays that we’re the only ones making stickers and bragging about beating them.
JMO, but the rest of the SEC better wise up. These guys that know how to recruit are going to humiliate us after all the talk is through.
By Will
April 18, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
South Carolina stinks and so do their fans! By the way, nice finish to the season last year after you were ranked #6 in the country. I forget, did you even make it to a bowl? Oh’ I fogot, a lowsy Alabama team took your place at the weedeater bowl! Stephen Garcia for president!!!!
By Tigah
April 18, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Saban is a rule breaker in recruiting. Do you not think that those 32 recruits will have some Tide boosters paying for their tuition? If you don’t, you’re in lala land. Regardless of the team you inherited, you should beat LA Monroe at home; in fact Albama beat the crap out of them the previous year under Shula. Look for the trend to continue, Alabama in mediocrity.
By quaildawg
April 18, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
By quaildawg
April 18, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
WarEagleCLaw, If having 23 recruits wrappped up before signing day was being “outworked” then I guess you are right. Richt and the UGA Coaches got on their targets early and often and despite what the payola rags rank got who (w/ the exception of one defect) they wanted and what fit their needs. I UGA biased but I’ll put Richt and Garner up against anyone when it comes to recruiting and they don’t have to do it with smoke and mirrors and silly sideshows.
By Dean
April 18, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
I’m not terribly concerned what each coach does. Besides, I believe all of them have won NC’s so they can make their own decisions. I agree with the person above who says Tebow is more dangerous when he runs. As a Georgia fan, I was surprised how many times he was sitting in the pocket and not really taking off during last years UGA/UF game. I credit the Georgia D but I also wonder if the Florida staff was trying to make something happen and were telling him to stay in the pocket longer than he would have liked. I think with your average Division 1 quaterback that is a good idea but with the talent of Tebow, let him go by instinct! It works. Doesn’t Auburn have some hotshot prospect who is supposed to run this spread offense beautifully. I hope Kentucky continues to make strives to get better. It’s kind of fun to see the Cats shake things up in the conference. And as always, Go Dawgs!
By DawgsRule
April 18, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Georgia’s offense will be so good this year it may be unfair competition. I look for the Dawgs to easily go 12-0, win the SEC, and beat USC for the title in Miami. Florida? Forget it—-they are a 1 man team, and Tebow will get hurt again running the ball too much. Harvin’s hurt again, so don’t count on him. They have no good runnings backs, and UGA has the best QB-RB combo in the country.
By tsmonk
April 18, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
I believe I said “part of the reason.” The author made it sound like it was your OC’s nanotechnological innovation that got them to 25% more plays than usual, and nothing else. The fact that they averaged under 5 yds a play and needed OT to reach 23 pts doesn’t exactly inspire comparisons to Patton’s march to Berlin.
By SecIsFootball
April 18, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Tigah…based on the spelling of your name I will assume you are a bitter LSU fan who is still not over Saban. He was never investigated for cheating at LSU. The Alabama programs has plenty to offer its athletes so I am not sure why you think he is breaking the rules now? Yes we had a bad year and the loss to ULM was beyond embarrassing. We were also able to put a beat down on UT. This was the same UT who won the east last year. If you think the current state of our program will continue, you will be in for some very disappointing years ahead of you!
By SecIsFootball
April 18, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
quaildawg….I think it is pretty safe to say the Richt, Meyer and Saban are pretty much equal in their ability to recruit and it has show the last 2 years as both teams have had to 10 recruiting classes with UF having the #1 class 2 years ago and BAMA having it this year. People trying to say one of better than the other is kind of ridulous.
By quaildawg
April 18, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
SECis, I would expand that to any Coach in the SEC as they won’t be where they are very long if they aren’t a good recruiter. I was taking issue with the AU fans comments as I felt them a little off base in regards to Richt. Richt’s record since coming to GA speaks for itself as to the job he and his staff have done recruiting. Personally I don’t put much stock in the recruitng publications rankings as they are more about $$$$ than being unbiased observers. Their process is sort of like chumming for sharks.
By Dean
April 18, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Wareagleclaw, I think you may be onto something but the one great thing that Auburn has always had going for it is that they get these kids that Georgia and Alabama don’t look at seriously. Then Auburn always has the guys with desire to prove those two schools wrong. I hate watchign the Auburn/Georiga game and seeing some slightly smaller kid from Lagrange run all over us and then say, “I was a fan of Georgia growing up but they didn’t recruit me”. I think Tubberville does fine. Every program goes through cycles and if a 7 or 8 win season is a low point of a cycle then that is really saying somehting good. Of course, you could always hire Petrino. He’s all class!
By autig
April 18, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Ahh yeah AU is done with this new offense, how will they ever get better then 10th in offense(rank 2007 secsports.com. )
In the Peach Bowl AU used a total of 9 days on the offense and beat the 6th best defense in the country.
That output alone was better than almost their entire 2007 offense(on average).
The SEC is very competitive, college football has NEVER(Sorry Bear) seen such a mass of talent or coaches in 1 conference.
History should be your best predictor of future results and IF SO, Ga, FL, LSU, AU, should dominate the SEC next few seasons.
To the Alabama fans: Did you forget in 2004 AU had one of the more dominant SEC programs in the last 20 years yet according to Scout.com WITHOUT 1 TOP 10 recruiting class. Alabama wont be a factor for a few seasons. They are more like Kentucky now than they are GA or AU. If Saban is given time he may well get them to the top of the West Div. Lets be serious as long as Tubs is there AU will not be easily beaten. Hes turned over so many coordinators its silly but check his record out since 2000. LSU is too talented to go anywhere, I think I could coach that team to SEC title.
As for the talk about recruiting, its absolutely stupid to think AU would outrecruit AL instate ANY season. A careful examination of the mid 80s and last 8 years will show AL got usually at least equal instate talent but most times better EVEN WHEN AL SUCKED.
Comparing AU/Tubs recruiting to FL, LSU, or even GA is dumb at best. THE MAIN UNIVERSITY in a state will always have an advantage bigtime for kids. Fact is, given what AU/Tubs has to work with he has done VERY well. AU has nice pipelines in FL,TN,Miss,AL,GA that combo has kept AU quite competitive with the TOP SEC teams conference wide.
Lets see what happens this year, AU has never had an issue with fielding one helluva a defense, it has always been an offesive problem.
Those that think this offense wont work are basically saying it will be worse than 10th in the SEC which wont happen. AU IMO will around 3rd to 5th in offense next year and if our defense maintains its strong play we should be one of the top teams again.
I know AL has a tough time being a second class citizen to Auburn but thats what they are. They got the best high school kids for sure but Auburn has better college players.
By ttown one
April 18, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Saban is a joke. He’ll torch Bama the first time he gets a contract for more $$ elsewhere.
Meyer…..come on. We all know he’s a sell out. Chris Rainey runs a 4.2? Yeah, ok. The kid runs a 4.5 in high school and no one times him in college: guess what—he runs a 4.2 in college. That’s hilarious. Rainey did not even run the 40 when ESPN showed his previous “results.” He started one time, then slacked off. The same kid that admitted “it’s good to be Chris Rainey” during that recruiting season (he got $$$$$$) is the same kid that “runs a 4.2” forty.
UF is so BS.
By Tom
April 18, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Roswell Ed-
Did I hear you correct “sell your soul”??? This is from An Auburn fan!! The most penalized team in the history of the SEC (which happens to be the most penalized conference), a team that is run by a banker in Montgomery, a team that gave out free grades for sociology, a team that flew in the middle of the night to meet with another teams coach before firing theirs…those in glass houses should throw stones. Your post made my day!
By the way it’s funny how all the rival schools loved Shula and hate Saban. I’m sure it has nothing to do with fear.
By mcdawg
April 18, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
i don’t look forward to facing a spread offense that late in the season-hopefully we learned a few things playing against troy last year
By GT
April 18, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Anytime somebody writes about Alabama it is a good thing for Saban, if he can cause that to happen he is earning his money. With college kids or high recruits this is all new to them and what happen yesterday doesn’t matter. When these coaches like Spurrier draw a crowd of reporters they are getting the advantage over the other coaches.
By Roswell Ed
April 18, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
quaildawg:
I agree with you 100% about the recruiting rags.
How does Eltoro Freeman go from a 4 star reqruit 1 and a half years ago, spend a year playing well in Jr college and now he’s a 1 star?
By southside z
April 18, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
rooooooooooollllllllllll tiiiiiiiddddeeee
i know a girl who will eat saban $hit just to see where it comes from
hahahahah
//yea c’mon
By Caruthers
April 18, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Gotta love it. 132 days til kickoff and everyone is already an expert…
By daman
April 18, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
I’m glad the rest of the world gets to read the delusional ramblings of crimsonneck fans.
BAMA! Where the offseason is the most exciting time of the year!!
By Jim
April 18, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
autig-
You fail to mention that Alabama has been hampered by scholarship limitations and poor coaches. I agree that it will take time for the better players to make a difference for bama but you realize that on the field the players will not be the same under Saban as they were under previous coaches. I’m not knocking Tuberville but you have to admit having the turmoil at bama while he’s been at auburn was of great benefit to his success.
As for the second class citzen comment. That’s funny because I see a lot more print about Alabama and Saban here than Auburn and Tuberville. In Alabama, Saban is treated like a rock star or Governor and Tuberville like a local high school coach or the weather man. So don’t let those orange and blue glasses cloud the facts.
For Bama we may not have a great season this next year but we will be competing for championships before auburn will (National not the SEC).
Roll Tide!
By gfed2008
April 18, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
My defense of Auburn: 1. Those that say “they only beat a Clemson team that was higher ranked by 3 points”…Auburn had been running the offense for only 2 weeks in practice. 2. The spread is legit…UFL has done well with it, and Auburn will do well with the CREATOR of the spread coaching it. 3. Bama fans that again, say we only beat Clemson by 3 points…first off im going to say 6, then go on to say that I bet y’all lose to Clemson this upcoming season, and it will be a loss of more than 3 points.
Bama’s 3 NC’s (you don’t have a legit 12, if you have 12, Auburn technically has 8 instead of your claimed 1/2 of a championship for us) were about being good in the right year…stop trashing UGA and Auburn for being unlucky (AU in 2004, and UGA this past season)
By shane #1
April 18, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Phil Fulmer on the “Saban rule”, “We probably, honestly, were Our own worst enemies, with some people taking advantage of the rule. When a head coach walks into a high school it almost always winds up an event”. Can You imagine being Principal of Podunk High in South Georgia, it’s May, and You are trying to get Your kids ready for finals? You are trying to maintain some type of order in Your School, no easy task, and every few days You have some super star coach showing up at Your School, tagging along are a reporter and a photographer from the local paper, an assistant coach or two, and whatever local dignitaries that have gotten word of the visit. The whole day is shot, as far as getting any classwork done, and forget about keeping everything orderly!
By gspot
April 18, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Dean; GA played a GREAT freaking game against FL last year. FYI…the reason Tebow didn’t run was not ONLY because of the GA defense, but I believe that FL made it part of the game plan because Tebow was playing that game substantially dinged up (can’t remember if it was his hand or shoulder). Anyway, it was obvious that they were trying to limit the amount of hitting he was taking that day.
By cool guy
April 18, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Roswell Ed: the reason Eltoro Freeman is a 1 star right now is because they haven’t ranked JUCO players yet…he will be a 5 star when they rank them…will be better than Tray Blackmon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfFLH8FHXPY
Video is from only 1 JUCO season…
By KR
April 18, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
1. Saban does not like new recruiting rule: Big surprise. Who cares? The rules apply to everyone, and each coach has the opportunity to find a way around them. If Saban misses even half a step in recruiting, it won’t be noticed. I look for BAMA to win at least 9 games this season. I hope I’m wrong.
2. Tim Tebow can improve: Of course he can. He’s what, 20 years old now? If he couldn’t improve, Meyer should be worried. IMO, Tebow should practice getting hit hard. Being the only sophomore to ever win the Heisman has effectively painted a target on him. The defenses are going to be gunning for him.
3. The HBC will still call some plays: I’m sure he will. Just like I’m sure that Mark Richt has called some plays since turning the responsibility over to Mike Bobo. Being head coach does have privileges. BTW, I still prefer to call him the Ol’ Ball Coach, or Darth Visor or the Evil Genius.
4. Auburn will be running more plays. A lot more plays. Let’s hope so. Auburn’s offensive production last year was the worst I’ve seen in a long time. It reminded me of the Doug Barfield days or Terry Bowden’s final half season. With a new OC, a new type of offense and a new quarterback, it should at least be interesting. It might even be good. We’ll just have to wait and see.
5. Watch UK’s Trevard Lindley: He is good. However, unless UK has a pretty stout defensive line, Lindley’s really not going to be a factor.
WAR EAGLE!
By tiger7_88
April 18, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Hey, bammerClaw… wipe the terbacky spit off your mouth and stop pretending to be your betters. It just don’t work, son.
By ActualAuburnFan
April 18, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Nice try, “WarEagleClaw.” Fear No. 7 this fall.
By SMOKEYVOL
April 18, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Vols will have a tough time this year with the changing of the guards at quaterback , but its time for alot of changes and hopefully the Spring Game Sat. will show some promise , fingers crossed!
By benadawg
April 18, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
I am sure that Florida paid ESPNS’ way to cover their spring game. could they kiss Urban Meyers’ butt any more, how pathetic. Alabama will be good over in the west, but The beast in the east will be georgia. I know as well as real football people knew that the dawgs were the best at the end of the season last year. So hate on haters….Go Dawgs!!!
By War Eagle
April 18, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Truth Hurts, I believe you have your offense backwards…The defense is catching up with West Coast Offense and Spread is averaging 40 plus points a game. Majority of SEC teams run a spread variation today gradually leaving WCO . Of course,this depends on personnel. Florida, Alabama and UGA did`nt recruit all those high octane recruits this year for “nine yards and cloud of dust”.
By Dean
April 18, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Ray Goff, You represent the minority of Bama fans. The times I’ve been over to Tuscaloosa I have been impressed with the character, integrity and knowledge base of the average Bama fan. Georgia has traditionally been a power atleast since the 40’s. It’s because we played in the South and were not a popular school in the 40’s that we were not included in major publications which determined the National Title in those days. But since you threw your two cents in there let me ask you, how many in a row have the Daawgs won over Bama?
By Mark
April 18, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Jealous of the Crimson Tide and Coach Saban are we?
By War Eagle
April 18, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Well spoken autig, you took words right out of my mouth!!. When Nick Saban arrived in Bamatown after he said he was not going to be Alabama football, the big busted drunk woman who rampage the crowd and planted a sexy kiss on him, he froze probably saying saying, what have I got myself into. He found out after having his OC wife threaten, losing SIX in a row playing a suspended player, losing to LaMonroe and keeping Auburn win streak at SIX.He works with anxiety, looking over his shoulder.This is a must win season, above .500, or BiPolar could be his call.Bama is different, but they have suffered through many coaches and disillusions since Bear Days. You have to pay a high price to coach at Bama, you also receive a high price to coach.
By Roswell Ed
April 18, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
What is there to be jealous of?
They were good on ‘92 and that is all I remember.
0-6? Do you recall that?
Are you 60?
By brad
April 18, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
I remember thinking when UGA played Troy last season, that if Troy had any talent, they would have beaten UGA with the spread they were running.
It was very odd to see the offense line up and then have everyone look over to the sidelines to call the play. If nothing else, no time for defensive substitutions.
Auburn will have a lot more talent than Troy so the new offense could prove to be dangerous. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.
By GatorGuy
April 18, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Dean Tebow has a bad shoulder during the FL/GA game. Otherwise he’s probably have run more. Would it have changed the outcome? Probably not unless he played Defense too! Georgia played a great game. They won, we lost. End of story.
By lLatham
April 18, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Auburn—-you’re simply nervous that you were and will continue to be out recruited by Bama as long as Saban stays in place. You know it’s just a matter of time before that very weathly and well supported program to your West will get back on track.
By Tom
April 18, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
war chicken-
Thats great. Tubby goes hunting in Arkansas and they can’t come up with buy-out $$ and you still think he wants to coach at albarn! Give me a break. He knows that he needs to the heck out of there as soon as possible. BTW I would take the drunk lady over a murderer on my campus any day. I’m sure your proud of that.
By SecIsFootball
April 18, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Roswell Ed….Thank to you and all AU fans for proving this fact…
6 wins over BAMA is AU’s greatest football accomplishment!!!
By shane #1
April 18, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
mcdawg, yes UGA played Troy last year, and the Gators, and Kentucky, and finished with the Warriors. All four teams ran variations of the spread, all four made it work and scored a lot of points. All four were beaten by UGA. Auburn will be scary with Burns at qb because he has speed, and can make people miss in the open field, that is something the four teams mentioned lacked. Our d linemen could tee off on Their qbs because, other than Tebow, They were no threat to run, and Tebow isn’t fast enough to run outside. If Burns runs AU’s offense, someone will have to stay home to keep Him from turning the corner. I am sure we all remember Pat White getting outside in the Sugar Bowl. Scary, huh?
By SoFLTiger
April 18, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Tom-
Nice one to bring up a tragic death of a student. Real BAMA class. That is an oximoron.
Auburn might have had a murder on campus but a good part of the BAMA football team is a bunch of thugs!
I am sure you are proud of that!
By Hawkinsville Dawg
April 18, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
Pardon me you Tuscalooser Saban loving rednecks: News flash! Bear Bryant was 26 years and 8 coaches ago. You should love your team, because Saban only has to give 5 days notice before he leaves again. Cry baby Saban has never held one job long, and he will soon grow weary of the crazy (yes crazy) people over there. Sober up please. You people are the laughing stock of the entire country.
By Geaux Tigers
April 18, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Bear Bryant was coaching more recently than UGA won anything. That’s pretty funny! So how many UGA students were alive when the Dawgs actually won anything.
By Ben W.
April 18, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
I didn’ know this was the Nick Saban web site. He may win 6 games if redneck Parker stops playing like he is an 8th grader. Saban will win the crying towel award.
By AltamahaDawg
April 18, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
Had to be talked into standing right out in the middle of the field during said camera taping too, huh coach? I dont know about anyone else, but it made me just a tad queezing to watch a grown man do that.
By AltamahaDawg
April 18, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
brad, who knows, UGA might not have even been able to play its 3rd string quite as much, had Troy been any better.
By "true" tradition
April 18, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Bulldog fans are soooo jealous about any publicity that Alambama gets - regardless who is getting the attention Saban or the team. Well news flash Dogged fans - Saban and the team is synonamous. We will yes we(both Saban and our Team) will come to Athens to get us a little Bull dog and take the national championship hopes right away from you scared puppies even though you are loaded. Saban and our team does not care where you are ranked - WE will take you down. So stop worrying about the better coaches and programs in the country and spend some time preparing for your whooping!
By War Eagle
April 18, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
“true” tradition, bring your lunch, it will take you all day and then some. Tom, CTT was hunting in ARK because he goes every year and his contract had been put in place..You believe news media`s??…and one other mention with you Tom..GROW UP, ABOUT MURDER COMMENT, You must be new to board or change your handle.
By Laura
April 18, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
I like the fact that Saban says that he has no comment….I bet he doesn’t. I guess that he is mad, however it will the those losers alot of money. they wont have to pay those players anymore….
By Laura
April 18, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
I like the fact that Saban says that he has no comment….I bet he doesn’t. I guess that he is mad, however it will the those losers alot of money. they wont have to pay those players anymore….
By Laura
April 18, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
I like the fact that Saban says that he has no comment….I bet he doesn’t. I guess that he is mad, however it will the those losers alot of money. they wont have to pay those players anymore….
By SOS
April 18, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
South Carolina 16, Georgia 12
(HBC called the plays)
By SOS
April 18, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
SECCoachinDallas (aka the wannabe UGA grad):
We are waiting breathlessly for your input on this thread via your borrowed dial-up modem at The Hot Spot in “downtown” Dallas, Ga…
Please dazzle us with more of your wanderlust for State Farmers Markets and greased pigs…Makes me think that “thou doth protest too much,” or did they teach Shakespeare at Paulding County High School???
My favorite rant of yours is when you explain what could have been if the university you adopted by hostile affiliation had been able to nut up against South Carolina between the hedges last September…
SECCoachinDallas, where art thou?
By Football Fan
April 18, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Alabama does have a true tradition. Let’s have a moment of silence, then recognize their accomplishments. Enough. A tradition of losing to Lousiana Monroe. A tradition of losing to Auburn six times in a row. A tradtion of losing to Sly Croom and Miss. State two years in a row. A true traditon of losing to UGA every time you have worked up the courage to schedule them this CENTURY. A true tradition of winning six games a year and a trip to Shreveport every Christmas. A true tradition of being home able to watch other teams like Auburn, GA, and LSU play on New Years Day. Didn’t one of your former coaches, Franphony leave Tuscalooserville in the middle of the night to escape? SABAN Nation!
By King Nick Saban
April 18, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
don’t hate me because i outwork and outcoach everyone else. their lazyness is their own fault. the Tide will own the SEC in 2 years… and for many years to come.
get used to it….
By Kazeltcf
April 19, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this
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By Kazeldrw
April 19, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this
Hi webmaster!
By shane #1
April 19, 2008 2:07 AM | Link to this
Bama fans, Tiger fans. Why can’t You just get along? You guys are both quality teams, both conference winers, both national championship winners, and both from Alabama. Give it a rest, will’ya? If You were old six and six SOS there I could understand it, but You guys are winners. It’s not like You were Gamecocks, Who have never won anything, anywhere.
By sando
April 19, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Corso picks the S.C. “Cocks” to be in the national championship game this season, I believe. WHAT A JOKE!!!!!
By War Eagle
April 19, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
shane#1, Auburn and Bama is a HATE rival. Auburn-UGA is a family rival, UGA-Fl is a HATE rival. The talk between dawgs and Gators are as bad spoken as AU-Bama. Unless you been directly involved with the slang thrown around 364 days after Iron Bowl, it hard to realize the intensity. I like bamafan on this board, that about it for me with Bama..hope dawgs beat up on them BAD.
By Mr. Reality
April 19, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
It is absolutely HILARIOUS that Bama fans think trahing Saban comes from envy. “Gee, I wish my team had a reprehensible cheating jerk with no people skills at the helm.” I guess all those people who trashed Barry Bonds would really just prefer that he played for their team. Of course, maybe it’s Bama’s recent success that we all envy… Gain some perspective folks.
By Mr. Reality
April 19, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Bama fans, do us all a favor. Show us the full measure of your dimensia. List the SEC teams that would like to trade places with you right now. I’m thinking… hmmm… Vandy? Ole Miss? Miss State (no, they beat you last year.)
By Dawgbyte
April 19, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
What this page is is a forum for people with too much time on their hands. And in “off” season, yet.
By shane #1
April 19, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
War eagle I was just pulling Your leg a little. The AU-Bama rivalry is well known as being hate filled.
By Atlanta Gator
April 19, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
War Eagle——Florida-Georgia is a “hate rivalry?” Frankly, it’s still a rivalry, but I think most of the hate is on the UGA side. Unless you’re a Florida alumnus over 40 years of age, you probably can’t remember when it was a hate rivalry for the Gators.
Personally, I fall into that over 40 crowd, but Father Spurrier, Father Zook and Father Meyer have long since exorcised my Dawg demons. For most of us, Georgia is one among several of the Gators’ big SEC rivals … Tennessee, Georgia, Auburn and LSU. If Nick Saban gets the Tide back on track, the Gators may see more of them in the Georgia Dome. The Gators and the Tide had a pretty interesting rivalry going in the ’90s. Could happen again.
Heck, Kentucky, South Carolina and Vanderbilt aren’t exactly patsies anymore, either. From their standpoint, I’m sure the Gators are a “hated” rival, too.
Hey, is it still a “hate rivalry” if the hate is mostly unrequited? Nothing sadder than unrequited hate, eh, War Eagle?
By shane #1
April 19, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Zeb, Your old basketball coach at Randolph-Clay, Joe Williams, told the Albany Herald that He has retired. Fortysix years in coaching, 1015 wins, and a then record ninety game winning streak that included back to back state titles. Williams coached many star athletes during His career including the Dawg’s own Thomas Davis. The last star player He coached was His Grandson, a point guard who led RC to the State quarter finals this season and has signed with Valdosta State. Well done coach!
By shane #1
April 19, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Gator, hate is too strong a word, at least in My case. A lot of the hate talk is done in jest, or done by an idiot! A case in point, My friend and I were eating lunch in the French Quarter New Years Day, and the UF-UM Bowl game was on tv. I can tell You from personal experence that the Red and Blacks were rooting loudly for the Gators. I don’t think that happens with teams You really hate. I think the LSU crowd hates UF more than the Dawgs, some were pulling for UF, but some were loudly cheering Mich. I noticed something strange at the Sugar Bowl too, there was a large group of LSU fans across the aisle from Us. Early in the Game They were chanting “SEC”,”SEC”,”SEC”, and “Go Dogs”. But when it became apparent what a mis-match that game was, the LSU fans got very quiet. They did not look happy either. It was like They wanted UGA to look strong and represent the SEC well, but They didn’t want the Dawgs to look THAT strong. Anyway, I thought that was strange.
By Ole dawg
April 19, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
“Atlanta Gator” Yes, I’m over 40 and I remember when the Dawgs “owned” the Gators, as “you” have owned “us” since the 80s. You only have to look at the overall record to see what I mean. And yes, I was probably as arrogant then, as you are now. But, keep in mind “what goes around…” and it may save you some sorrow, and humility, in the years to come.
By sean
April 19, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Just wanted to add my $.02
I’m an ALABAMA fan. I have been all my life. No, I didn’t go to The University of Alabama as a student. But does that mean I’m not allowed to be a fan.
To quote Scott: Most of these so-called Tide fans have never even been to Tuscaloosa, much less attended school there.
Since when does one have to attend a university or even go to the city where the school is located to be a fan of its sports teams?
A lot of people don’t have the means or opportunity to attend a university or travel.
Very small-minded in my opinion.
And yes, I like Coach Saban. I think he will bring BAMA back to its former glory from way back when. I realize that Coach Bryant is dead. He was a great coach and what he did for the University of Alabama will probably never be forgotten…and I hope not. I celebrate the past while I look to the future.
Coach Saban is not Coach Bryant. His style of coaching/recruiting is different, as is every other coach in the country; whether it be Div I, II, or III.
So you don’t like Coach Saban. Who cares? You berate BAMA fans for liking their coach. You say bad things about him whenever he makes it into the news. I honestly don’t like Tommy Tubberville. Yes he’s a good coach, but I don’t think he’s a good leader.
And you continue to call the players at ALABAMA “thugs” or “criminals”. Yes we’ve had some players that have gotten into trouble. These players have been dealt with as Coach Saban saw fit. But let me tell you this, it happens at other schools as well. All schools in the SEC have had their share of player troubles in the past. I won’t go into details because it would take way too long.
You say that Coach Saban doesn’t like the media but that he spends a lot of time in it. He doesn’t choose when he gets in the media. It’s the media writers and their publishers who decide that. I’m sure if he had his way he would hardly ever be in the media.
And to whomever said that we haven’t won any championships since Saban has been at ALABAMA. HE’S ONLY BEEN HERE FOR ONE YEAR! We, as fans, didn’t expect him to win the SEC or national championship in his first year. Most of us don’t expect him to win even the SEC in his first 3 years. Does this mean that if he doesn’t win the SEC by his fourth year do we want him gone? I say no. As long as he’s winning the big games, and hopefully the little ones as well, I hope he stays around for a long time.
Yes we lost to Louisiana-Monroe last season. We also lost to Mississippi State for the second year in a row. And we lost to Auburn for the 6th year in a row. But what most people don’t really seem to understand is that he inherited a team that wasn’t used to his hands-on, in-your-face style of coaching. Prior to Saban arriving, conditioning and working out was voluntary. Now it’s mandatory.
I think in a couple years, maybe three, we will see a different Alabama team on the field. One that will have a little more confidence in itself as a unit and not have so many “me” players. The last time we had a team like that was back in 1992. That team played as a unit and was almost unstoppable.
As for comments on the other teams; I have none.
I’m an ALABAMA fan and that’s the team I care about.
By Bamafan
April 19, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Sean, Well done!! I went to school at Middle Tn State University and I love the Crimson Tide and Tuscaloosa is a pretty neat town. Saban just needs to keep the players off the strip in T-town. Mr. War Eagle, I Respect your team and your opinions. You seem to know what you are talking about. Roswell Ed is not very funny or bright!! ROLL TIDE!!
By War Eagle
April 19, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Gator, shane#1, when I use words hate rival, this is ‘bitter competition mode’, not like HATE . I hate no on on the face of the earth, but do have emotional feelings toward certain individuals and Bama. Ex. I ran competitive Masters Track and field for years all over the world, marathons, 5k,10k, some runners were competitors who were intense and aversion, who was my competition, these were hate rivals, same as Auburn, Bama, UGA and Florida. I am sorry you got the impression I was a hate monger, just trying to tell in my words RIVALS.I played in Iron Bowls and been on the front line of rivalry, its powerful.
By LilburnJack
April 19, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
Hey Tidefan00, forget the 2nd coming of the Tide. I think it’s the 13th coming! Roll Tide Roll.
By Jerry
April 19, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
Aubies-
Be realistic you haven’t won a national championship in the last 50 yrs and you’ve never won without being on probation! Just live with the fact that you’ll always be a bunch of plow boys from the cow college whether you are in Athens, Gainsville, Tuscaloosa, Baton Rouge or Knoxville. HA HA HA, GO sell some more tags for your cars and dream.
By Phil
April 20, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
Anyone realize that Auburn has only one really tough road game in conference this year, and it is the game in Tuscaloosa in the finale? UF rotates off the AU schedule as well. If AU gets any defensive play at all, they’ll be in Atlanta. As a Gator fan, I hope they hold the SEC banner high in West Virginia on that Thursday night in October.
As for the east, the game in Jacksonville decides it, period.
By Todd
April 20, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
The rule places SEC coaches at a disadvantage because FSU and Miami head coaches will be out recruiting.
The rule was really put in place for the lazy coaches like Tubberville.
By shane #1
April 20, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
War Eagle, I can’t speak for Atlanta Gator, but I have never considered You a “hate monger”. I was just having a little fun with the topic Atlanta Gator brought up.
By Atlanta Gator
April 21, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
War Eagle——The problem with blogs is that you can’t see the big, ol’ silly grin on my face while I’m typing, tongue planted firmly in cheek. “Hate monger?” Nah, not you. We SEC fans probably all toss the word “hate” around a little too easily, and some of these jokers actually take the word literally. Kind of sad, really. Being a Gator grad and living and working in Atlanta, among a multitude of Dawgs, Tigers, Noles and Vols gives one a little perspective.
Ole dawg——Arrogant? Me? Nah, not really. I’m just having a little fun, tweaking my Dawg blog buddies. The Gators have had a lifetime of success and good fortune since 1990, and it makes it all that much easier to laugh when others diss my alma mater and its sports teams. At this point in my own life, my school’s reputation for academics and playing by the rules means more to me than winning titles every year. Some folks take the whole college rivalry thing a bit too far. It surely isn’t worth offending your neighbors, right?
By Carlton Powell
April 21, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this
Atlanta Gator—SPOT ON!! I totally agree with your above comments. I have clients,BEST FRIENDS and neighbors that attended other SEC schools. Two of my life-long best friends attended UF, and we too are at the points in our lives where sports are seen as much more a diversion from the more serious academic side of university life. Currently, my wife and I have children that graduated from The Univ. of Georgia, Univ. of Virginia, and one that’s a third year student at Auburn Univ. A real mixed family of sorts. As with other SEC schools ALL are good academic institutions. Perspective needs to be maintained at all times.
By USC Gamecocks
April 21, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Let’s see the last time i looked
USC 16 - pups 12
this September will be more of that on the way so get used to it georgia boys…
By War Eagle
April 21, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Carlton, your name is familar,glad to see your daughter at Auburn. I hope she enjoys small town life and a good education,,best to her.
By BamaRolln08
April 22, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
All I have to say is ROLL TIDE ROLL. You may hate what Bama has done in the past (the 12 time National Champ) and for what they will do in the near future, but you better learn to love it b/c it’s the best thing going today!!
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By RoyArtelo
November 8, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Do you think that Obama is going to win because the Republicans have such a bad candidate? Why did John McCain make his final argument against Obama… coal? That’s his closing argument? William Ayers, Rev. Wright, spreading the wealth, Born Alive, meeting dictators without preconditions, etc. all have to take a back seat so that McCain can go to Colorado and New Mexico to talk about coal? Does this more or less explain why he’s going to get his clock cleaned Tuesday?