Alabamians have been waiting for the second coming of their savior for quite some time. Maybe the time is nigh. No, it’s not Jesus Christ they expect to see coming round the corner soon – it’s the second coming of The Bear that has them enthralled at the moment. And the fans of Bama football now believe he just may be back in the form of Nick Saban. Alabamians seem to practice Sunday religion as a warmup to the real test of faith, the faith that Alabama will reign supreme once again under the leadership of a bigger-than-life football coach. Several coaches have stood for the test. The fans have chewed on them, found some more flavorful than others, but eventually spit them all out.
Last night’s match-up with Western Carolina was a prophetic lucky break in scheduling that occurred before Saban’s move to Bama. However, that shameful victory over a grossly outmatched opponent may be sufficient tonic to seal the fans to their new messiah long enough for him to really make a difference. Success at football seems to hinge as much on an indefinable form of faith as it does on raw talent. I don’t know of a winning team that doesn’t have that ‘je-ne-sais-quois’ magical ingredient that can’t be defined or captured, but everyone recognizes when present. Of course, Saban’s real test will come in November against a powerful Auburn team. If he pulls that one off, allegiance will be sealed – at least until next season.
Being a savior has its price, however, and Saban must behave himself and perform successfully year after year under the scrutiny of the intense fandom and the ghost of The Bear himself, against whom every Alabama coach will always be measured.
He could be the true savior, but then again, his name does rhyme with Satan…
Last night’s match-up with Western Carolina was a prophetic lucky break in scheduling that occurred before Saban’s move to Bama. However, that shameful victory over a grossly outmatched opponent may be sufficient tonic to seal the fans to their new messiah long enough for him to really make a difference. Success at football seems to hinge as much on an indefinable form of faith as it does on raw talent. I don’t know of a winning team that doesn’t have that ‘je-ne-sais-quois’ magical ingredient that can’t be defined or captured, but everyone recognizes when present. Of course, Saban’s real test will come in November against a powerful Auburn team. If he pulls that one off, allegiance will be sealed – at least until next season.
Being a savior has its price, however, and Saban must behave himself and perform successfully year after year under the scrutiny of the intense fandom and the ghost of The Bear himself, against whom every Alabama coach will always be measured.
He could be the true savior, but then again, his name does rhyme with Satan…
4 comments:
I saw this old film footage one time, of an old Alabama game in black and white. An opposing running back had broken free and was streaking down the sideline for a certain touchdown. One of the Alabama players jumped off the bench, ran onto the field, and tackled the guy. The refs scratched their heads for a minute and then awarded the other team a touchdown. After the game they interviewed the player who had made the tackle, an old school white guy, and he was sobbing. He blubbered, "I seen that boy come running down the field and my heart was full of love for Alabama football and I couldn't let him have that touchdown."
There was a couple in yesterday's paper who named their 3month old son Saban. I felt bad for the kid until I learned that their other son's name is Tyde!
I googled up the story on the "12th man" and his actual quote was "I guess I'm too full of Alabama." When the kids were little I used to have this thing I would say when I was trying to herd them into a vehicle, when we were going somewhere. I'd say, "Let's roll, Tide." Stupid, I know. And the kids, such smartasses, would say,"Dad, you're so weird. That doesn't even mean anything." Around here the obsession is UT--I remember this old guy telling me he dragged raced a teenager and when he hit the gas, smoke came out of his tailpipe that was "UT orange."
"....The Bear himself, against whom every Alabama coach will always be measured."
Referencing your quote above, the term, "every Alabama coach" is accurate and extends beyond UA Football Coaches. As a local youth coach over the past seven years, the same treatment comes from those parents who also happen to be avid UA Football Fans. A.k.a "BAMA Fans."
"Well, why'd you do this? and why'd you do that? How come you didn't do this? and how come you didn't do that?...." You can only imagine the fun in working with those folks.....
Living in Alabama, there will always be BAMA fans engaged on any youth sport team. We have seen it in every sport which we have participated in (Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Pop Warner Football - Cheer). Of all the sports, Soccer seems to be the best at proactiviley prompting good sportsmanship from all participants. I.e. a soccer Referee can red-card a fan or a parent as well as a player.
I am happy to say that we have no plans for youth coaching this year.
Post a Comment