Editorial Cartoon: Fire When Ready, Aight?
I continue to be utterly amazed by the job Nick Saban has done and continues to do at Alabama. When you stop and think about what he’s accomplished in just three short years, it is staggering.
First, there was the change of perception. Momentum and buzz stepped off the plane with him that cold January day in 2007, and has never left. Even a ho-hum 2007 season suggested a strong foundation was being laid for the future. Few programs get beyond the “buzz” of a new hire to actual on-the-field success.
Then there was his first full recruiting class in 2008, a consensus #1, which to this point has gone unmatched in this state by anyone but himself the following year.
Then there was the 12-2 season in 2008, which included an undefeated regular season, an appearance in the SEC Championship game, and prolonged national recognition that Alabama was again a contender.
His second “mythical” national championship in recruiting soon followed in 2009, ridiculed by our rivals as being much ado about nothing. After all, rankings and stars don’t matter (remember that line?).
Then, of course, arguably the most decorated season in Alabama history…the state, not just the university. No other program in the yellowhammer state, Crimson or other, has ever gone 14-0, won the west, won the conference, won the Heisman and won the BCS National Championship in the same year. Crystal, baby.
Time to rest, right? After all, we currently sit atop the college football world. Alabama has replaced the USC’s, Texas’s and Florida’s of the world as the most dominate program in the country. Truly a force to be reckoned with. A team you’ll need more than luck to stay in the game with, let alone defeat.
And Saban made that happen after only two full recruiting classes on the job. But then, he does it again.
The 2010 class again ranked in the top five, coming in at #3 or #4 twice, depending on which major recruiting service you’re paying attention to (ESPN, Scout and Rivals, respectively). Coupled with our back-to-back #1 classes, 2010′s class appears larger than normal. We’re not adding talent to a good team. We’re adding a layer of gold to a foundation of platinum.
It’s amazing that just four years ago…four years…if we could just land talent that would get us mentioned in or near the top ten programs in the country, it was a bright day. There was hope. The Tide was turning. But now, if Alabama doesn’t finish first in recruiting, the Alabama media…especially in Birmingham…paints it as an epic fail. If you listen to talk radio or read the garbage otherwise known as the Birmingham News, you’d think we didn’t even bother this year.
I love it. We are back.
I echo our BCS National Championship coach who indicated that he doesn’t give a Chizik what anybody thinks. We are the enemy, we are the target, and baby, we got the artillery to do whatever we want to whomever we face.
Take Abarn. Abarn is the consummate example of the fat kid down the street who’s never done or been anything, but one day experiences some good fortune. It’s a feel good story. Everybody looks at one another with a goofy smile and utters “awww”. The fat little guy you usually feel sorry for had something go his way.
Abarn had a great class this year, there’s no doubt. But all but one recruiting service still has them looking at our backs, and yet the spin afforded from the Scarbinsky’s, Goldbergs, Marshalls, and Matthews of the world leaves you dizzy and a little nauseous.
In contrast, with his usual dose of reality, I like the way Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News put it on the Finebaum Show Wednesday afternoon:
“Auburn didn’t gain ground on Alabama, and Alabama didn’t lose ground to Auburn. Auburn simply didn’t lose ground to the Alabama’s and Florida’s of the world this year.”
And as he said on another occasion on the same show, “Auburn is chasing a target (Alabama) that itself isn’t standing still.”
Cecil’s take on Florida may be partially incorrect, as Florida’s class in 2010 can only be described as unprecedented. But consider that 2009′s haul for the Gators was ranked in the vicinity of eleventh by most services, and that after winning a National Championship.
There is such a thing in recruiting as “championship hangover”, as essentially you lose two weeks of being able to focus on recruiting, thanks to the championship games you’re preparing for. And most hurtful, the “big one” comes one week after every else’s bowl game, roughly a month before signing day. Saban lightly mentioned this in his presser on Wednesday.
But that Alabama is seven or eight places better than where the Gators were a year ago, just a few weeks after stashing our hardware from ’09, I’d say we’ve shed the hangover to reload and get ready for battle. The early indications of what’s coming for 2011 suggest a similar recruiting tsunami, as National Championships usually pay higher dividends on high school juniors than they do seniors.
A few recruiting stories of note…
- I’m so glad that the days are gone where we used to have to cater to a prima donna recruit and take a family member too in order to land him. Take a hike bro. Homey don’t play that. Oh, and enjoy watching us play for the Crystal while you’re back home after your Outback Bowl.
- We didn’t get an offensive lineman that we courted only eight days, and that after realizing we weren’t getting a more desired target. Though the press has tried to inflate this story…after all, it’s fodder for another Scarbinsky article, I’m sure…this was really the lone disappointment. But disappointment likened to realizing that there are only six layers in what you thought was a seven layer chocolate cake. In a year where the OL wasn’t particularly a high priority, we missed out on a plan B after courting him about a week.
- I thought Saban’s barbs on the negative recruiting used by our rivals was particularly amusing. Does anyone else get the idea that he regards them as complete bullChizik?
- Again, I’ve already alluded to it, but this class stacked on top of our previous two classes makes it that much more devastating for our opponents. It’s like putting a Rottweiler on the backs of two Pit Bulls, whereas by itself it’s an ill-tempered German Shepherd. Alone it’d still have bite, but coupled with the others, it’ll kill you.
- What is more difficult…convincing top talent to come to your program where they’ll see the field next fall, or convincing like or better talent to come to your program where they likely won’t play till their sophomore or junior seasons? Yep, I agree.
In short, Bama fan, what you are witnessing now is simply amazing, unlike anything you’ve ever seen in your lifetime, or at least since the 70′s. Pick a year from our illustrious history and chances are none of the players from that team could displace any of the starters on our current team.
And my only advice both to friends and foe is this: Get used to it. In his own words a few weeks ago, Saban said himself “This is only the beginning.” It tickles me when the delusional rival mutters “Saban will be gone after (insert year or scenario here).” This is the way it’s going to be for a long, long time. Top five classes are the norm, not the out-of-the-shoes-swing it is at some programs. Revisiting this topic a year from now will be interesting.
We have reloaded. We’ve filled our needs. We’re still hungry. And we’re getting ready for battle again. Fire when ready, aight?
WHO GIVES A RATS AZZ ABOUT REGION 3 STAR 13 TH BEST IN STATE….NOT WORTH OF THE BEST CLASS OF ALL TIME BAMA 2011 – LET DYE PAY TH
WHO GIVES A RATS AZZ ABOUT REGION 3 STAR 13 TH BEST IN STATE….NOT WORTH OF THE BEST CLASS OF ALL TIME BAMA 2011 – LET DYE PAY THE PUNK
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For the love Hammah, learn what hte caps lock bottom is. Im no english major , but you make me look like Ernest freekin Hemingway…..
The point he was making, is that all world recruiter Saban liked the kid enough to offer a scholly. But, Im sure he “didnt want him anyway”, being that he offered him a scholarship. Yeah, thats the ticket.
U STUPID IGNORANT SLUT = STOP FOLLOWING SOME FAG IN SAN FRAN THAT SAID CAPS MEAN THIS OR THAT – IT MEANS BIGGER PRINT EASIER TO READ – PERIOD. THIS IS NOT ENGLISH – THIS IS INTERNET SHORTHAND – USIS. AND YES SABAN MISTAKENLY OFFERED THIS KID FOR DEPTH ONLY AND ONLY TO BE ATTRITED IN HIS JR YR….REGIONS DID A SMART THING IN TAKING DYES MONEY ….
AND WHO BESIDES BARN VERMIN CALLS A LOSING CONFERENCE RECORD A GREAT SEASON>>>>>>>>>???????????????????????????????????????????????
BARNERS THINK IF A HALF BLACK FOOL CAN BE PRESIDENT — THE MOST SHAMEFULL CHEATINGEST PROGRAM IN HISTORY CAN BUT IT’S WAY TO A BREAK EVEN RECORD IN THE SEC ….NOT SO FAST – IT DON’T WORK THAT WAY
InTheKnow72 (and most everyone on this site)
You are clearly missing the point. I truly believe that there is probably no real difference in classes between #4 and #5. However, when it was convenient, you guys exclaimed that Rivals was the only site that counted. Now, when Auburn has a better ranked class on Rivals, your posters are suggesting that it doesn’t matter because Rivals is the only site that rated us that way. Also, when you crow every year about having a better class than AU, and make statements such as, “AU will never be able to compete with UAT in recruiting as long as Saban is the coach”, you should expect that AU fans (and Alumni) are going to respond when AU has a better ranked class. The fact that you and every other UAT person I have talked is now making excuses just makes you look silly. Put it this way, I’m ecstatic that AU had a great recruiting year and seems to be on an upswing. The only reason I care about Rivals’ stupid rankings is because you guys have crowed about it for so long, it’s fun to rib you a bit. Why don’t you try to act like a man instead of a sore looser?
That whole Spender Regions drama is extremely strange. His dream was to play for Alabama, this was the offer he wanted, dream to play at Bryant-Denny, etc, etc. He was ready to commit all the way up to 90 minutes before he was set to announce he would commit to Alabama….and he chose Auburn? Because family is important to him, and Auburn felt like family? Not sure what is going on with this kid, but something strange is definitely is going on. Maybe this is a statistical outlier. Good thing is, the real story will eventually come out.
Sorry…Spencer Regions. Typo
REGION KNEW HE WOULD NOT SNIFF THE FIELD EVER AT BAMA – SO HE DECIDED TO TAKE
DYE’S MONEY – PLAY SOME FOOTBALL – AND GRADUATE – AND NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT BEING ATTRITED AT BAMA – AND CAN STILL ROOT BAMA ON TO A 10 PEAT.
All of this will be settled on the Field.
Fucking Crystal – RTR
The Region kid is going to paid for this fucking bullshit telling
Saban one thing and trying to make Alabama you back in the press. FUCK YOU Spencer Region!! RTR
WHO CRIMSON DAT HAMMAH Says:
February 6th, 2010 at 11:19 am
IS THERE A TEAM BESIDES AU WHERE U CAN HAVE A LOSING CONFERENCE RECORD AND BE CONSIDERED A GREAT SEASON.1000 POINTS TO THE POSTER WHO CAN COME UP WITH AN ANSWER BUT IT COULD BE A TRICK QUESTION.
______________________________
Maybe Kentucky, South Carolina, and (maybe) Arkansas.
(I SAID MAYBE)
But then again, none of the above schools try to bullshit poeple into believing they are a Powerhouse program either.
To anyone who is claiming that auburn is doing as well as Bama at recruiting.
According to scout.com.
Auburn had 32 signees which is 3 more than anyone else in the top ten. Can you imagine how Bama would have finished with 3 more signees?
I am sorry for bad spelling!! Trying to say make Alabama look bad in the press!! I am pissed off!! RTR
And about the Regions kid.
It is funny how a lot of top highly rated players are doing the same thing. (By passing their Dream School to play
And about the Regions kid.
It is funny how a lot of top highly rated players are doing the same thing. (By passing their Dream School to play in Lee County.
Why? If you compare Auburn, Troy and Bama….auburn has been the 3rd best team in the state for the last few years. So what is so exciting about Auburn?
Oh, I know (Standard stock answer to explain off something that stinks like fish…) The Family factor.
That is bullshit. Alot of programs have a family feeling.
Or is it the type of “Family” where Daddy is constantly shelling out $$$ to make sure the kids are happy?
almightytmc1,
A couple of points: (1) Your comment about AU signing 32 players is based on faulty logic (i.e., that more is better). Rivals only counts the top 22 toward a class’s ranking. (2) We at AU don’t expect anyone at UAT to understand the importance of the “Family” setting at AU. I can tell you, without doubt, that I chose to attend AU over UAT for that very reason. Why did you choose to attend UAT?
ABOVE – KY BASKETBALL MATTERS AND COACH RUN OFF – SC.SPURRIER ON HOT SEAT …PETRINO – ARK FANS ARE ONLY EXCITED ABOUT MALLET AND POTENTIAL FOR 10 – NOTHING ELSE
AU IS A FAMILY… LIKE THE GREAT OLD MAFIOSO FAMILIES OF YESTERYEAR THAT ARE BURNING IN HELL AS WE SPEAK…..
AUMP AU AT MANURE PILE DOES NOT HAVE A WINNING RECORD VS VANDY AND IF THE TOP TEN AUMP CROOTS KNEW THAT – THEY WOULD TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN
I wanted to be the best; wanted to be a champion. That’s why I went there.
And AUTigger, for the record, I’ve never made that assertion about Rivals. Find a quote from me on here; been here about 3 years. Go on and look.
What really matters is what happens on the field. We have that checkbox checked.
You have the one checked that says “Coaching staff has less than .500 record in the conference.”
Until your Chiznik does something, shut your hole. He’s had four years to prove he can coach, but never finished with a winning record in his conference.
Our coach has several conference CHAMPIONSHIPS and TWO NATIONAL TITLES.
I rest my case, and I rest in those facts.
But maybe the NCAA will let Abarn sprinkle a few more 1-AA’s on the ole schedule. Buy a bowl game!
AUMP HAS BACK TO BACK LOSING SEC RECORD AND IT IS A GREAT SEASON – AND I DON’T EXPECT A AUMPIE TO UNDERSTAND HOW ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTINGLY SHAMEFUL AND ABHORENT THAT IS A TO A TRUE CHAMPION…U WILL FIND OUT IN THE IRON BOWL HOW ABSOLUTELY PIZZED SABAN IS AT THE MORAL VICTORY ATTITUDE AND A 52-0 BEATDOWN AWAITS….IT IS THE SAME RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION A MAN HAS TOWARD A HOMOSEXUAL
EXACTLY BARN DID NOT BUY A BOWL GAME BUT THEY BOUGHT A NEW YEARS DAY BOWL……WITH A 3-5 RECORD THEY WERE IN NASHVILLE
IT IS SO FREAKY – ALABAMA IS THE DALLAS COWBOYS EARLY 90S AND INGRAM IS EMMITT SMITH
intheknow72,
Saban’s first year: 7-6, lost to LaMonroe… may want to consider that before trying to envoke the .500 thing. Of course, I am sure Saban would have won the MNC at Idaho State.
Also, I love the comment “What really matters is what happens on the field. We have that checkbox checked.” Again, I agree with you. I am just playing by the rules of you cohort (i.e., Rivals is the best recruiting site). It just cracks me up that you guys are unwilling to admit that you were wrong about our coaches’ ability to compete with old Nicky? Does it really mean so much to your egos that you can’t suck up and be a good looser. Nobody here is questioning your MNC (at least in this discussion), coach, or current class. We are just calling you out on something that you have been crowing about for the last 3 seasons.
THE PIECE OF DOG CRAP IS CHEATING OUT OF HIS BUTT – A LOSING RECORD IN THE SEC ….AND THE MORAL VICTORY BS …THE BAMA FANS AND SABAN HAVE THE SAME RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION A REAL MAN HAS TOWARD HOMOSEXUALS….ABD A 66 O BEATDOWN AWAITS AND I WOULD BET THAT TROOPA THUGA GETS INTO IT WITH BAMA FANS AND GETS BEAT TO A PULP AND CAM CRAWLS AWAY WITH A SPLIT SPLEEN
12 2 14 0 2 SEC WEST 1 SEC TITLES AND A NATIONAL TITLE…..AND A AU AT MANURE PILE FAVORITE – THE ALL IMPORTANT PRESEASON #1 AND 2 RECRUITING TITLES
2 FOR 2 IRON BOWLS – OUTSCORED 62 21 AND A 36 NOTHING SHUT OUT BEAT DOWN……..
Let’s just come out a say it… Auburn is paying for recruits. There is no other way to explain their last recruiting class and this weird Regions last minute turnaround. His excuse for his decision is really lame. On the ride over they promised some cash if he changed his mind. His parents needed a little extra cash and bingo, we have an Auburn commitment. The grass is always greener over the septic tank, and eventually someone digs.
MISS ST HAS ALREADY TURNED AU IN ON THE CAM DAD SHAKEDOWNS
Autiger47
The point is that Auburn bagged more recruits this year than Bama. Do the math and you will see that Bama could have finished even better. (Than their current finish)
As far as your remark about a “family setting” at Auburn. (And a perceived lack of one at Bama or other schools,) er…how do you know?
You attended Auburn. Dont try to impress me with the things you dont know about other schools.
Don’t play the moral superiority card and act as though Auburn is the only place with high standard’s and ideals either. It only goes to prove that Auburn people are gullible enough to believe their own propaganda.
I will say it.
I think auburn is paying for recruits.
ABSOLUTELY SAD THAT WILL RUIN IB S A FEW YRS FROM NOW …BUT THE NEXT COUPLE SHOULD BE FOR BLOOD
Yall are a bunch of titty babies. Get the titty out yalls mouth and smell the coffee. These kids are the begining of a trend that will continue from now on. Quit your whining and go polish your crystal….BWAHAHAAHAHAHAAAAA !!!!!!!!!!
NOT IF THEY FIND OUT AU DOES NOT HAVE A WINNING RECORD VS VANDY ………..
But we do you dummy.