Saban & Bama threads consolidated

No, it is not short-sighted. The dynamics with Saban are different than had some other coach entered the arena. First there is the obvious, an immediate expectation of results with his program. He is low on the opinion poll right now, and he must build some traction. Saban will make every effort to associate himself with something good, and the last thing good was LSU. But he can't build it up in the present tense, only the past.

Second, Saban can't simply come here to LA and say, "Hi I'm coach So-and-So, how would you like to play for Alabama". No, he must come here against the "tide", if you will, of opinion and momentum. If he wants to attract players in LA, which he ultimately must, then he must attack LSU. He must convince people that the good came and went with him.

Third, Saban has an ego, but there remains a truth. If LSU continues excelling without him, void of noticeable slippage, then Saban's star is diminished. He is not the messiah who came and made LSU great, but rather, it was much more an equal opportunity for both. This isn't to knock him, but I do believe it calls into question his oh so expensive premium -especially considering his tenure in Miami

Fourth, someone in the SEC needs to start going down. While I am not suggesting an LSU-Bama up or down, positive or negative relationship, I simply do not believe you can have 5 or 6 great teams in the conference. 5 or 6 pre-season hopefuls, maybe, but not end of season reality. LSU is a continuing threat. Miles has seemingly made the transition, and the future looks bright as ever. Better start knocking on that reputation before it hardens.

 

1) You are missing one point, and it's a major one. The expectations of the program aren't centered on the results of next season. As I've said several times, most look at 3 or 4 losses next season. An accurate description of the expectations of the Bamanation right now deal with seeing a team improve as the year progresses.

The opinion poll you talk about may represent the LSU fan base, Auburn's fan base, but it isn't applying to the players that have contacted and spoken with Saban. They look at is success in the SEC and it interest them. 17-18 year old kids understand he is a good college coach, and they want to play for him.

2) I don't understand the thought that "he ultimately must come after kids in LA." Perhaps, I'm missing your point...please expound on #2.

3) I think that is short-sighted also. Let's assume that LSU continues with the success its had on the field. When the West becomes a tighter race, which it will, it won't be a situation where people look at his tenure at LSU as his "selling point," rather, his success at Alabama.

History repeats itself. And, history shows with the right coach in place, Alabama competes on a national stage. Some think not, but don't acknowledge mediocre coaches like DuBose and Shula and the success they enjoyed with the right players in place.

4) Here again, I'll have to disagree with you. It isn't uncommon for the SEC to have 5-6 teams in the top 25. It's happened before, it'll happen again. Could we have that many in the top 10? No, the schedule and beating up each other won't allow it. Think about it...how many did we have in the top 10 at the end of this year. How many in the top 25 in the last couple of years?

I realize nothing would please rival fans more than seeing Alabama/Saban fail. But, it isn't likely to happen. Those who look at this situation realistically, agree.

 

Terry,

Let me preface. IMO, Alabama certainly has the chance to become strong again. 10 years ago I well recall friends from other states who felt LSU was out of it, not to return as a major conference power for a whole sundry list of reasons.

There are some particulars about Saban's situation, though, that I believe will create some unique dynamics. We will see how they play out. Hearing how Saban is recruiting in LA, with the giant assumption what we read or hear is true, I believe those particulars are influencing Saban's behavior in such a way we would not see with A)some other Shula replacement, or B) Saban sans the Nov/Dec antics. Had he handled his exit differently, Saban would have made an easier task for himself, in so many regards, and would be operating without the cloud.

BTW, after the first year of taking over a losing program, a sub top ten finish is now considered a borderline bad season, like or not. Do you believe Alabama fans will accept less than being in the top 10, much less a NC contender by year 3?

 

Saban & Bama will not fail. There's no reason to believe that they will. Saban will have moderate success there. Even bad coaches have been able to have the occasional season where they win 10 games in a season there at Bama. Saban will bring a little more consistency, they will be an 8-9 win a year program. The question is, how long will Bama fans put up with that considering how much they are paying for Saban.

 

What I think most are paying attn. to in Tigernation are the recruits he's contacted in the state. However, I think it's important to note he's also been after commited players from Florida, Georgia...visited a kid in S. Carolina this afternoon. It seems, from my point of view, that many LSU fans think he's after all of your players. I don't see it that way.

He's identified good players, some of which are commited to you, and he's going "balls out" to get them. Considering he has such a short time span to handle this recruiting season, his approach isn't going to sit well with LSU fans. I understand that...but, I think we all have to admit...the feelings you are feeling right now stem from a lot more than just Saban contacting some players.

How this season (recruiting) ends up means very little to me, to be honest. I was in a conversation a few weeks ago and was asked "would you be willing to sacrifice a good class to get a good coach?" Without hesitation I emphatically said yes.

I know this is going to spill over in the football season...and, it's going to make for some venomous reactions from some fans on both sides. I hate to see it...and hope, it doesn't end up like the UT - Bama relationship.

 

I'm going to have to disagree with you on this, CP. As example, Stallings was a defensive minded coach much like Saban is. I wouldn't hestitate to put them on the same level when it comes to a defensive scheme/approach/ability.

Stallings averaged 10 wins per season when he was Bama. The BIG difference between the two is Stallings wasn't known for his recruiting...Saban on the other hand...

We don't expect to win the SEC each year...don't expect to win the NC each year. Compete for both? You bet. After all...if you are competing for the SEC and are fortunate enough to win it, normally the rest takes care of itself.

Expectations are high, and they should be. Unrealistic? No.

 

The SEC, particularly the Western Division, is a little different now than when Stallings was making hay. Auburn isn't on probation, and LSU isn't coached by Curley Hallman. Who was Bama's main concern in the West back then?

 

Saban is known for his recruiting based on what he did at LSU. I do not believe he will repeat the success he had in recruiting at Alabama. We had two classes that were the, or close to the, top in the country under Saban at LSU. Saban's classes at Alabama will be good, but they will not be top 5 classes. I think you're looking more at the 10-15 or 20 range on average (an above average year of in-state talent may yield the occasional class close to top 5). And I'm not talking about for just this year.

The SEC that Stallings played in was very different than the SEC of today. I believe it was a lot easier to average 10 wins a season then than it will be today. And by that same reasoning, I do not think it will be as easy for Nick to win championships at Bama as it was at LSU when he first got here. I mean, we won the SEC with I think 4 losses his second year. We won't be seeing much of that anymore.

 

Parcells retired, here's your chance Saban....
...Coach Nick Saban of Alabama denied the reports about any negotiations with the Cowboys, he repeatedly said: "Im not going to be the Dallas coach"...
...Breaking news: Coach Nick Saban of Alabama admitted that he has reached a 5 year 50 million dollar deal to become the new Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys. He commented by saying: "Gotta love the money *cough* T.O. and Romo too *cough*"