Ok so we now know well what Michigan State fans warned us about long ago and what we saw first hand a couple of years back. We are well aware that Saban has firmly planted himself in the history books as one of our nation's biggest liars. The only thing left for him to do is get into politics where his talents should serve him well. All the negative feelings aside, Nick's return is good for LSU, the SEC and College Football. Like it or not, Nick is a good college coach. He can turn programs around, install discipline and build a solid program. We did learn from some of the Tiger players that his style will wear a player down but he did bring results. Nick's return means that the level of play in the SEC, already superior, has been moved up a notch. Teams, especially in the West are going to compete harder and recruit harder than before. A one loss team will have a much more legitimate shot at a National Title because the strength of schedule has just improved. There are going to be tough, down-to-the-wire games that will put you on the edge of your seat. There is going to be no easy road to travel and that will make victories sweeter and Championships more meaningful. Nick is great for LSU because now, as you can see, those remaining Saban fans in Purple and Gold will become enthusiastic Miles fans. Regardless of what the Egomaniac said in his press conference yesterday about his players in the Sugar Bowl Wednesday night, Miles led that team. Take an hour of your day and watch "Eye of the Storm" to understand what kind of leader Miles is. We know the challenges that Katrina and Rita brought us and Miles' team stood up with incredible character, faced real life challenges of the disaster, played ball, went to class and fought for an 11-2 season. That is nothing short of incredible in my opinion. I don't care how much talent you have, if no one is there to lead them, you have nothing more than a bunch of kids wandering aimlessly. Sure, there are a lot of Saban recruits on this team but Miles was the man that carried the torch. He and all of those players together won the Sugar Bowl and will win much more in the future. Miles has grit, character and is what a leader should be. Would Saban have stood in the face of the challenges of 2005 and come out a winner or would he have run when the going got tough? The continually highlighted flaws of Nick Saban should further illustrate why we have the coach that we should all get behind. Miles is a coach we can be proud of and a man that represents our University and State well. He continues to focus not only on the players and the University, but the entire State of Louisiana. The last thing Saban's return brings back to us is rivalry. Isn't that one of the great characteristics of College Football? It will be really cool when Miles takes a team of his recruits up to Bama and shows Saban how football is really played. Bama sold their souls for Nick Satan. There is nothing else to say about him. Let the rivalry be renewed! Les Miles is a coach to be proud of.
Not to mention that the eyes of the nation will be all over the SEC next year. I am looking forward to the national attention next year that even something like a lowly Bama/Vandy game will bring. The added exposure and interest in the SEC will be even more beneficial for the Tigers next year considering their favorable schedule. Thanks Nick. :yelwink2:
Vandy may beat Bama next year. Bama won 13-10 at home but it's on the road next year. They play FlORIDA ST. IN JACKSONVILLE TOO!
I am not familiar with who's coming back on other SEC teams but as long as they have a loss for this one: And unless we implode, I feel confident they will. :thumb:
I agree I think Saban will have problems next year, but I am concerned in 3 years when I think he will have some success. I agree also that Saban coming back to college is good for college football. I still think he does not have the joy ride he had at LSU. I know bama fan would disagree, but this is not 1979 and you don't have 300 scholarships to give out. Today's college football stars are looking for what is a good fit for them to get to next level and of course the experience at the the respective colleges which is why I think USC, Texas, LSU, Florida, Ohio State, Mich, Georgia, and FSU are all the places to play college football instead of going to Notre Dame, alabama, and Nebraska. If I was a blue chip star, I would choose texas, florida or LSU over bama anyday b/c I think those schools offer so much more for today's player. Even most college coaches would also consider the LSU Texas, Florida, and Ohio States of the world plum jobs. With that said, Saban will have way more to overcome at bama did he ever did at LSU.
There are a couple of reasons I can think of that will make this trip a lot tougher. One is definitely recruiting. There are at least two programs in the West alone that are further ahead along with National exposure (Auburn and LSU). Both teams have superior talent to Bama. That is going to take time to make up. That's not saying that Saban is not an incredibly strong recruiter and not that he doesn't have some experience with national exposure. He still has to play catch up and Miles is one heck of a recruiter himself. They both come from similar histories at MSU and OSU. Saban will not have the entire, talent rich state of Louisiana to farm. LSU already has a leg up not only from a size standpoint but because it is the home school. It will be much tougher to lure a recruit from Louisiana to Tuscaloosa given the strength of our program and the way the people of the state cherish their Tigers. Ask Alabama and Auburn recruits if their loyalty plays a role in their decision. Funny using the word loyalty in a discussion on Saban. Anyway ... he will have to work harder to produce the recruiting success he did in the past. The expectations are way too high. Everyone is dancing around this place like they just won the National Championship. He is everywhere and is taking advantage of his Rock Star Reception. There is an absolute frenzy here and I understand it but you just get this feeling like there could be a big let down brewing. My gut maybe influenced by my heart but you just get this feeling. Either way, there is a tremendous amount of pressure and I think that a lot of fans are going to be quick to call him out if he doesn't quickly produce. Consider also that they are spending $4M a year. I really would have been better about this had he not made the comment about his recruits winning the Sugar Bowl. That was just tasteless and disrespectful to LSU and Coach Miles. That really got under my skin. Miles, much more a gentleman and a class act won't say anything but I hope he owns Saban all 3 years he stays in T-Town.
Saban's actions have certainly left a bad taste in my mouth, but I can certainly understand them if I put myself in his shoes. Hell, I'd move my family just for the money alone. When you have the opportunity to make 32 million dollars in eight years, you start packing your bags right away. 1) I don't like my job despite the prestige of it being one of only 32 in the world and I am a millionaire. 2) My family hates where we live. 3) A job that's not quite as pretigious, but still appealling opens up in an area that my family prefers and they're willing to pay me more money. Who would chose to stay with numbers 1 and 2 instead of going for number 3? If Nick's like me, his loyalties lie with his family before his employer.
