Check out bama's new football facility

[rebeljim]

http://www.rolltide.com/allaccess/?media=394427

[Titles 'R Us]

F.W.I.W., when that terrible tornado ripped through Tuscaloosa a couple of years ago, I happened to be traveling in Alabama, although not in the path of any of those tornadoes. However, I was able to listen to Alabama radio talk shows that day. Obviously, most people were focused on the damage, fatalities, etc., as they should have been. But there were several callers who asked point blank (AND FIRST OFF), if Bryant-Denny Stadium was okay. At other times I have been in Alabama when I've heard 'Bama fans say, "All we really care about is winning the National Championship and having a 100,000-seat football stadium."

So, yes, they have great facilities, and they have a coach who has won them several NC's recently. At the same time, I don't think there is any doubt that the University of Alabama is run by the football program and that arm of the athletics department. There really isn't a lot of concern about much else.

[wpdrebel]

Having to live an hour north of Tuscaloosa, I can say this 100% accurate.

[rebeljim]

F.W.I.W., when that terrible tornado ripped through Tuscaloosa a couple of years ago, I happened to be traveling in Alabama, although not in the path of any of those tornadoes. However, I was able to listen to Alabama radio talk shows that day. Obviously, most people were focused on the damage, fatalities, etc., as they should have been. But there were several callers who asked point blank (AND FIRST OFF), if Bryant-Denny Stadium was okay. At other times I have been in Alabama when I've heard 'Bama fans say, "All we really care about is winning the National Championship and having a 100,000-seat football stadium."

So, yes, they have great facilities, and they have a coach who has won them several NC's recently. At the same time, I don't think there is any doubt that the University of Alabama is run by the football program and that arm of the athletics department. There really isn't a lot of concern about much else.

Football is the cash cow, so yes, bama is ALL about football. Hopefully we'll get close to that soon ourselves. But your post sounded like sour grapes because of who they are. Everyone here would give their left [fill in blank] to have done what bama's done over the Saban years. Look at how much money we're getting from the SEC this year. It's from football, and football only. That's why we're trying to keep up with all our up grades in football. But gotta hand it to them, that there building sure looks purty.

[Titles 'R Us]

To clarify my position, it's nice from a vicarious standpoint when a university's athletics program does well. It's fun and profitable. But when all is said and done, most athletes return to the real world once their eligibility is over. Very few make a living playing professional sports. Therefore, the primary focus of any university should be to prepare its students for reality, not a few years of cheers (or boos) from the stands. That degree they ought to get helps people make their way and shouldn't be underestimated.

I'm not sure I'm going to like all these attempts to make the college football game like the pro playoffs, nor this coming idea of paying players. And I think the salaries we are paying head coaches in many sports is way out of hand. Alabama started that in its obsession to win the National Championship every year. Do I think it's good for college sports or the original intent and purpose of universities?

No. There should be much more to life over the long haul. And, no, I don't envy Alabama and its achievements. I have a life entirely outside of college sports. If my team doesn't do well, I can hope for and lobby for improvement or a different coach (see Mike Bianco). But my world is not going to fall apart if I don't get my way.

Finally, I know a bunch of Alabama fans (some are my customers so I keep a low profile here) who have told me they couldn't sleep for a week after Auburn beat them and won the National Championship that year. Or couldn't eat. Or excused themselves from work. And let's not forget Mr. Updike, who poisoned the Toomer's Corners oaks at Auburn.

I can't imagine becoming like that, and I don't think the modern football culture is healthy right now.

[rebeljim]

I know after LSU beat us when they ran 2 plays in 4 seconds I was sick for 2 weeks. When bama with Hunter beat us with Archie in the first TV night game, I sat in the chair and cried my eyes out. Now that I'm older I can survive a little better, but I admit it can bother me sometimes, just not as bad.

[Titles 'R Us]

Well, I do know how you felt regarding those games. I felt the same way. But I think you make an excellent point about getting older and handling it better. And learning how to put these victories and defeats in perspective. Bottom line for me these days: I wouldn't trade my personal life and career for all the sports titles in the world. (Yeah, I know--I chose Titles 'R Us for my moniker on this site. But I'll still want high standards of performance for my teams.)

[Rebchuck18]

I know after LSU beat us when they ran 2 plays in 4 seconds I was sick for 2 weeks. When bama with Hunter beat us with Archie in the first TV night game, I sat in the chair and cried my eyes out. Now that I'm older I can survive a little better, but I admit it can bother me sometimes, just not as bad.

The LSU game still makes me sick but you are right with age you snap back more quickly. If I was in my 20's, I would still be fretting over the A&M loss. Instead I am envisioning Johnny Football as meat in a Nkemdiche sandwich. Tastes like chicken!