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Message
About the Saban/Bama recruiting mystique....
Posted on 12/22/22 at 3:18 pm
Posted on 12/22/22 at 3:18 pm
For years and years, Bama seemed to have our number - they pulled nearly every player LSU coveted. Reasons given were many, but they usually centered on three things:
- Bama blatantly bought the best players when it was "against the rules" (and any other teams doing it were VERY circumspect).
- The "Bama Player Development" myth, which says that players going to Lil Nicky's crimson whorehouse were better prepared (and better positioned) for the NFL.
- The "I want to play for a consistent national champion" thought process which was usually true.
However, with the advent of NIL I wonder whether or not there's any meat left on those bones? Now that anyone can buy the best players (assuming they can be bought) then the Red Horde has lost their ace in the hole.
When they were getting (buying) the best players, of course that gave them a roster that positioned them for consistent success. When your program consistently wins championships then OF COURSE the NFL is going to pay attention on draft day. Does that mean the players are/were truly "better prepared" for the NFL, or did they just have better exposure and advertising?
Now, though, those days are over. And so is Bama (in my opinion). No, they won't pull an Auburn and dry up overnight, but their (c)overt barbershop-bag buyouts and free Chargers aren't the draw that they once were. The rules they flaunted and used to their advantage (and our disadvantage) are now gone.
While Saban is a GREAT coach, I'll gladly say that other great coaches in his position at Bama (at that time) would have had equal success. Heck, even Les could have won a whole bushel of NC's with the roster Bama had (and that nobody else at the time could match).
So, welcome NIL. You suck, but at least everyone gets a turn at the buffet now. Yes, we'll still lose the occasional blue chipper to Lil Nicky (and Georgia, and aTm, and others), but now they'll lose some to us as well. So I, for one, won't cry if Ricks decides to go ride the pine in Gumpland. The field is now level, and we have a coach (with staff) that will be every bit as good as Saban was when he ruled the underworld of recruiting.
Welcome to the new world.
- Bama blatantly bought the best players when it was "against the rules" (and any other teams doing it were VERY circumspect).
- The "Bama Player Development" myth, which says that players going to Lil Nicky's crimson whorehouse were better prepared (and better positioned) for the NFL.
- The "I want to play for a consistent national champion" thought process which was usually true.
However, with the advent of NIL I wonder whether or not there's any meat left on those bones? Now that anyone can buy the best players (assuming they can be bought) then the Red Horde has lost their ace in the hole.
When they were getting (buying) the best players, of course that gave them a roster that positioned them for consistent success. When your program consistently wins championships then OF COURSE the NFL is going to pay attention on draft day. Does that mean the players are/were truly "better prepared" for the NFL, or did they just have better exposure and advertising?
Now, though, those days are over. And so is Bama (in my opinion). No, they won't pull an Auburn and dry up overnight, but their (c)overt barbershop-bag buyouts and free Chargers aren't the draw that they once were. The rules they flaunted and used to their advantage (and our disadvantage) are now gone.
While Saban is a GREAT coach, I'll gladly say that other great coaches in his position at Bama (at that time) would have had equal success. Heck, even Les could have won a whole bushel of NC's with the roster Bama had (and that nobody else at the time could match).
So, welcome NIL. You suck, but at least everyone gets a turn at the buffet now. Yes, we'll still lose the occasional blue chipper to Lil Nicky (and Georgia, and aTm, and others), but now they'll lose some to us as well. So I, for one, won't cry if Ricks decides to go ride the pine in Gumpland. The field is now level, and we have a coach (with staff) that will be every bit as good as Saban was when he ruled the underworld of recruiting.
Welcome to the new world.
Posted on 12/22/22 at 3:23 pm to Dotarian
If Bama gets Ricks that is seven 5 stars. Like WTH.
Posted on 12/22/22 at 3:30 pm to beauchristopher
quote:
If Bama gets Ricks that is seven 5 stars. Like WTH.
THIS year, that's true. Most of those kids have been recruited for several years, so very few surprises there. Battleships moving at speed can't turn or stop on a dime, and it'll take a year or two for the system to even out Bama's barbershop bagman advantage.
Going forward, I doubt they can keep up that same pace. I mean, geez, when was the last time LSU signed this many 5-stars during early signing (or during an entire year, for that matter)?
Give it time - Bama will eventually be just another good team amongst many good teams, and will have to compete on an even field for the best players. Like I said, barbershop bags and chargers won't give them an advantage any more.
Posted on 12/22/22 at 3:34 pm to Dotarian
Think about poor Iowa. They stole their 5 star instant starter LT. Imagine losing Will Campbell in the 11th hour.
Posted on 12/22/22 at 3:37 pm to ZenFNmaster
Yep, I don't even know any Iowans, but I feel for them.
Posted on 12/22/22 at 3:45 pm to Dotarian
quote:
When they were getting (buying) the best players, of course that gave them a roster that positioned them for consistent success. When your program consistently wins championships then OF COURSE the NFL is going to pay attention on draft day. Does that mean the players are/were truly "better prepared" for the NFL, or did they just have better exposure and advertising?
Schools have been buying players for decades. LSU has benefitted from this better exposure and advertising as well.
quote:
their (c)overt barbershop-bag buyouts and free Chargers aren't the draw that they once were. The rules they flaunted and used to their advantage (and our disadvantage) are now gone.
Again, every major school has been paying players for decades.
quote:
While Saban is a GREAT coach, I'll gladly say that other great coaches in his position at Bama (at that time) would have had equal success. Heck, even Les could have won a whole bushel of NC's with the roster Bama had (and that nobody else at the time could match).
This is just not true.
Posted on 12/22/22 at 3:46 pm to Dotarian
quote:
Give it time - Bama will eventually be just another good team amongst many good teams, and will have to compete on an even field for the best players.
It’s always been a level playing field. Every team paid players, cut corners. Every team can buy players now. Why would Bama quit finding ways to be elite now?
Posted on 12/22/22 at 3:48 pm to beauchristopher
quote:
If Bama gets Ricks that is seven 5 stars. Like WTH.
How many did they have suited up in TS this year compared to us?
Posted on 12/22/22 at 4:02 pm to Dotarian
quote:
they pulled nearly every player LSU coveted.
Oh good lord
Posted on 12/22/22 at 6:48 pm to joshreed293
JoshReed293, we have already seen what Saban and Bama could do to a really depleted LSU team this year. First year out with a mediocre team and Kelly performs a miracle. After this year we will benefit from stronger teams that will routinely beat Bama over and over. Get really to roll the tide on a yearly basis. The future looks great. Thank you AD Woodward for bringing Coach Kelly to neutralize Saban and his minions. It’s a great time to be a Tiger.
Geaux fighting tigers
Geaux fighting tigers
Posted on 12/22/22 at 6:56 pm to Dotarian
quote:
Give it time - Bama will eventually be just another good team amongst many good teams, and will have to compete on an even field for the best players. Like I said, barbershop bags and chargers won't give them an advantage any more.
They have a ridiculously elite class right now. What you are saying is crazy. Clearly they are able to spend money on NIL with the class they just got.
Posted on 12/22/22 at 6:59 pm to Dotarian
Chicken please make a Saban board for these obsessed mfrs
Posted on 12/22/22 at 6:59 pm to LSBoosie
quote:.. this is true..this has been going on for a long time.. it has happened at LSU also.. why wouldn’t it have..everyone wants the edge over the next opponent.. Little Nicky was bitching about the NIL last year when he was beaten out by aTm and Jimbo Fisher.. he was aggravated by it becuz he knew that he had to play on a level playing field, everybody/anybody could now eat at the same table and he couldn’t get by with just a little money, weed and a Dodge Charger from years gone by.. he now had to get in bidding wars for players he used to get fairly cheap and has to ante up…I’m sure he’s made alot more “new RICH” friends this year..
Schools have been buying players for decades. LSU has benefitted from this better exposure and advertising as well.
This post was edited on 12/22/22 at 7:03 pm
Posted on 12/22/22 at 7:14 pm to lovinLSU
Saban has always been a cheater. Now everyone can bid to players but he proves again he is the best cheater. That said, half his signees entering the portal the last 4 years. That’s a lot of transfers even for a loaded roster like bama. They will still not dominate like before due to the portal
This post was edited on 12/22/22 at 7:17 pm
Posted on 12/22/22 at 7:24 pm to beauchristopher
quote:
If Bama gets Ricks that is seven 5 stars. Like WTH.
They best enjoy it because Saban and Alabama’s run is nearing the end!
Posted on 12/22/22 at 8:11 pm to lovinLSU
You better believe Saban knows LSU and does everything in his power to keep these guys away from LSU.
Posted on 12/22/22 at 8:21 pm to TopWaterTiger
quote:..Agree.. and I think he swindles recruits to Bama knowing other schools like LSU want to sign them.. he doesn’t care if they see the field or not…as long as the other schools don’t have them he’s satisfied…
You better believe Saban knows LSU and does everything in his power to keep these guys away from LSU.
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