After my last post in this thread, I have given it a little thought. I keep telling myself it is just another game, but I do feel different about this one. From the perspective of the team I think this game should be just as important as the Ole Miss and Arkansas games, nothing more, and nothing less. I hope they approach it that way. We need to win the remainder of our SEC games – period. But you never know how individual players will react to circumstances. From Louisiana and Gulf Coast recruiting perspective, I think this takes on a little more importance. Nick’s contacts in the state and region will let him get his foot in the door in many places where Bama has not been welcome in some time, but a big win in this game might dampen the enthusiasm for some recruits from Louisiana following him to Bama. But again, you never really know. All that said, for me personally, this game is bigger than most, I hope we get a big win, but not just because of the above reasons. As a fan, I appreciated what Nick accomplished at LSU, but I felt betrayed by the manner in which he handled his departure. When he came back to coach a rival SEC West team, that brought it all back to my memory very vividly. The reaction of some Bama fans didn’t make me feel any better. I guess it is the football fan version of the jilted lover syndrome. Also, growing up in the 60’s and 70’s there were lots of Bama fans in North Louisiana (its easy to like a winner). Many of them had the attitude that Bama was entitled to win just because they were Bama and were coached by the Bear. When they lost or better, when your team beat them, they never could accept that another team just might be better. Their reactions to a loss was usually very entertaining. Like I said before in another thread, they had that look of a man who answered the door to find the IRS, his ex-wife and her attorney all standing there – priceless. ldskule: ldskule: ldskule: ldskule: ldskule: ldskule: ldskule:
So if LSU doesn't execute in an SEC road game, they STILL manage to win? Like RE said, I hope the LSU team echoes the mindset of the LSU fanbase; that will only help Bama. I hope LSU comes in there expecting to win by 4 touchdowns, and no effort is needed to win whatsoever. Seriously.
The fact that you are serious is what makes it so sad. You honestly think any football team lets the fans determine how hard they should play on Saturdays? If that were the case every game would end in a tie because all fans are homers and never expect to lose. It's a coaches job to focus the team from these types of distractions.
So you seriously hope that LSU players will come in expecting to easily win with no effort. I can see why bama fans can be called delusional.
I will answer this easily, the next game is the most important game. Just because it has flaming emotions for both teams' fan base is irrellevent, but does add to the flavor of the game. With that being said and to coin a phrase,"LET ER RIP!". Peace out.
likely but not definately. didnt execute more than not against Auburn, UF or USC and still won (and they all have better Ds than bama).
It's all about expectations....the LSU fan base wants the gumps ripped from limb to limb and probably won't be satisfied with less than a 40 point win. The fan base wants Saban's nose rubbed in it in front of a national audience. The Tiger fans want retribution in the form of a 35-3 score. The LSU fans have been talking about this game as soon as the ink got dry on Saban's contract. Gump fans have pointed to this game as well. They are proclaiming that bama is back and St Nick will bring an early Christmas present to gumpville on 11-3-07. in public, they reserve prediction and "just hope for a good game" all the while thinking of how high the tide will leap in the polls after the monumental upset of the title contender that is LSU. Meanwhile the players are devoting themselves to the task at hand. They know the "magnitude" of this game is this: lose and you lose the West, lose the chance to represent in the SECCG, a spot in the Sugar or the BCS Championship Game. Where is Nick in all of this? On the sideline. As far as the players are concerned I suspect that "motivationally" speaking Nick is 3rd or 4th on the food chain. Of course, the players know the disparaging remarks meant to demean CLM, the remarks Saban uttered that belittled their efforts as a team. They know that for Nick to take credit for the Sugar Bowl was a slap in their face and all that they had accomplished. Will the players be motivated? Of course This will be a methodical, uncompromising LSU team. They'll have to be. Don't think that Nick won't have the Tide ready to play. Every team gives the best team in the land their best effort. The Tide want respect too. They'll do their best to earn it. This is what motivates players....the battle, the physical matchup, the game plan unfolding just as it was drawn up. The road in the SEC? It's narrow and filled with bumps along the way. The players know that victory, either by 1 or 41 is victory and the chance to continue the dream. I look for a focused, motivated, hungry Tiger team to play its best game of the season on Nov. 3rd. :geauxtige
Do a search, wise guy. You'll find that mid-summer predictions around here was 11-1 or 10-2. We expected to lose a game or two in the SEC. Hmmm, two years ago Bama was 9-0 under Shula at this point, merrily exceeding expectations, then they lost the rest of the season and the coach got fired the next year. So much for exceeding expectations, the season ain't over yet.
The problem with that Red is what was said at that point in time. The offensive line was pointed to, repeatedly on this forum, and was described as a weak point. Despite all the 3-4 TD wins that were projected here, it was still a close game. You and I agreed it was going to be a close game that year. This year, is also going to be a close game. The difference between the two years is this...there is better coaching at Bama now than there was in '05.
