quote:
Applying the algorithm to Miles and LSU, it is worth noting again precisely what you conceded in your original post: that Alabama is a better program than LSU right now. Moreover, sane people will agree that Saban is a better coach than Miles. (The modfier "sane" is quite intentional - I know there are marginal ideologues who will still claim that Miles is "better" even if Saban hoists his third NC trophy in four years.) I've recited the litany of evidence before, but I'll do it again for the sake of thoroughness: NC's: Saban 3 Miles 1; SECCG's: Saban 3 Miles 2; Overall Undefeated Seasons: Saban 1 Miles 0; Undefeated Regular Seasons: Saban 2 Miles 1; Head to Head: Saban 4 Miles 3 (4-2 in last six excluding Saban's first year at Bama when he had none of his recruits; 2-0 in the last two games); Recruiting: Alabama's consensus class rating has exceeded LSU's in each year of Saban's Alabama tenure.

First off, when was Saban's other unbeaten regular season? I only recall 2009. He lost the SECCG in 2008, I can only assume you factor SECCG as post season. If so, cool.

Outside of that, I will concede that based on the pure numbers of NCs vs SEC titles, yes Saban is in the lead. Again, the point I'm making, is that in terms of coaching, etc, Saban and Miles aren't that far apart. Couple that with the fact that Saban has been granted Mulligans WITH his easy schedule, you clearly have a formula for success that I believe Miles could match.

Overall, IF you and I both agree they are great coaches, and IF we choose to disagree that Saban is MUCH better than Miles, while Saban is God, then I would not want to replace Miles at all given the circumstances I've stated. I think there is only one way to go as a fan, and that's backwards.

So, if it makes you happy, fine: Saban is God and he is perfect. When he loses he really wins and deserves all the accolades that come with making good on his redos.

Miles, while full of flaws, is right up there with Saban. Miles must take full responsibility of his losses and can't look back. At the end of the day, who do you replace #2 with, when you know you can't have #1? You don't.

Perhaps one day LSU will garner the same respect Bama does as a program. When that day comes, it will be Miles on Sportcenter begging for Mulligans while Sabans team is earning it on the field. Miles will take the Tigers, blast the Tide in the rematch, and LSU will be one step closer to the praise they so duly deserve. However, this day will never come. LSU will NEVER be the Brand Bama is, and Miles will continue to win under different standards/circumstances, which honesty, endear him more to me as a fan.

So, we continue to agree to disagree on a few points.