Ding, ding, ding. We have us a winner. Could not even begin to say it any better. Now if we could only manage to win more than just 1 national title. This is bigger than the hire of Pelini. Geat offensive minds are harder to come by.
Of course you're right. While I still reserve the right to p!$$ and moan about the gameplan during the game, as long as the :tigerhead: 1) win and 2) do so in a way that is in full compliance with the rules handed down by the NCAA, I don't care if the gameplan requires the team to ride hippopotamuses (hippopotami?) into the stadium for pregame and most of the first half and I suspect most other fans feel the same way. But that thought brings up an interesting sort of OT question (no, not how to get hippopotamus #$%^ off the field :lol: ): does anybody else think bama might be getting ripe for another potential recruiting scandal? Not that I'm trying to start a rumor or anything like that, but the elements seem to be lining up. Coach under tremendous pressure to win. Coach who now has a reputation for not being totally honest. Boosters with mucho money and an almost pathological desire for a :crystal: . Big time competition for in-state talent. Even if it could mean the death penalty, I wonder if there might not be the temptation in a couple of years?
Again, not fair to Saban. His offense was way too inexperienced in 04. That was our achilles heel. We were a fluke play (Iowa) from being 10-2 and ranked around #6 in the nation at season's end. Saban did very well with what he had.
Not to add fuel to this flame (or take away from a Miles lovefest), but I think this is just being part of being a LSU fan.... see John Brady (go the final four and people still doubt his ability to coach). Seriously, though, you've got to appreciate guys who get results. Miles was unassuming, but he's quietly improved the program, much like Brady has. He's also proven to be a better recruiter and architect of the program. Crowton's hiring was huge. Considering he's a LA guy, with proven results (i.e., Apple who?), he immediately helps in recruiting, and opens up the offense. HUGE.
It's pretty to see why after a game against a horribly overmatched Auburn team where the coach puts his inferior players in position, by innovative use of trap, man, and zone defenses to almost win on a last-second shot. (* I couldn't resist it.... * )
Saban would have had one eye on his team and the other on all of the green pastures out there. After Katrina, he'd have had Sexton beating the bushes to get him out of here.
I also don't think Saban would've fared well in '05. And there was NO excuse for the sub-par '04 season. We were in a position to start that year to be mentioned with OU and USC (we were in the top 3 with them). After the first game, we were a mere footnote, what "had been," instead of what "was."
A college basketball season is like a journey, where along the way you learn more about yourself, so you can prepare for the test that lies ahead. A college football season is just walking through land mines, where an early misstep, means you don't walk at the end of the battle. How do you like that for philosophy? Don'tcha want a college football playoff? :grin: Oh, and as for Brady, I'll take his wins over Arizona, #1, Duke, #1, and Final Four to go with his ugly wins over SEC opponents :thumb: :geauxtige :bball: :champs: LSU IS A BASKETBALL SCHOOL.
