re: Are LSU Fans Beginning To Feel Differently About Saban?

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Alabama team has lucky the last 2 years.

Auburn and Tennessee should have beaten them but the Referees screwed them.

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The referees didn't cost Tennessee that game. They lost because Kiffin pulled an almost Miles-like boner at the end, managing only to get off one play in the last 45-50 seconds of the game, leaving them needing a long FG when they had already had severe problems with FG kicking up to that point. He didn't quite reach Miles' level of incompetence because at least he didn't call a stupid deep drop back pass to get sacked and put out of FG range and didn't bumble around and let the clock run out without at least being able to attempt a FG. But still, it was a pretty significant screw-up, and UT has no one but Kiffin to blame for that loss.

saban lost 3 or more games in 4 of his 5 years at lsu

He may be a rear end to some folks but the bottom line is he wins. If and when he leaves Bama is better off because of him. I for one would pay his way back. He may leave for more money but that is true for most folks. Bottom line is we have what we have. A coach who is lost in space and is in deep do do. Miles is a good man but he will always be middle of the pack SEC coach at best.

I don't feel differently. I like him. And, I will always be grateful to him.

Those of you who don't like this, feel free to kiss my arse. Seriously.

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saban lost 3 or more games in 4 of his 5 years at lsu

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Saban was also rebuilding the program. Only season that was disappointing was '04.

Will never dislike Saban. An old school coach who does it the way it needs to be done, the man earns his money. He brought LSU from a deep dark place to national prominance and i will forever be grateful.

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LSU fans are feeling the sting of having to watch their former coach go on to be even more successful at a rival school while LSU is left to ponder what could have been, as Saban is in the midst of solidifying his stature as the best coach in college football.

It's not hatred so much as it is jealously and resentment.

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This is as succinct an argument as one can make about the rancor on this board.

Saban took a lot of heat for the performance in 2004.
- We did not play like the defending NC
- We did not have a signature win
- We were lucky in a lot of the games
- He shouldn't have called Advocate about the poll on their site if Randall or Russell should start
- If he had not yanked Randall at Auburn LSU would have won going away
- If he were focused on LSU we would have prepared better for Iowa
- If he was interested in his employer's interests, we would have a better recruiting class

I don't remember rest of the arguments regarding Saban, but a quick look at 2004 fall Sunday papers could tell you how the games were judged.

More importantly, feel good for the guy
- He turned LSU around and went to pursue his calling. Sure he did not leave as he could have.
- He had a forgettable tenure in NFL. Bama came calling. Unfortunate that Penn State, ND, or Florida State did not go calling. Those programs may have swayed him too.
- He never had an undefeated season, he's got that under his belt. Is it Saban, Bama, both, or just a coincidence
- Pete Caroll had prized QB recruits, yet when he had to start new QB he tanked. Bama was supposed to go through growing pains after JPW. Was it Saban or just lucky that McElroy (Shula's recruit) was better than the other prized Saban recruits

In addition to the sentiments of jealousy and resentment, fans here are afraid. They have succumbed to fear
- that the last year will repeat
- that Saban will always recruit better
yada yada

Only thing to remember are the last few weeks in NFL
- Dallas went from team unable to win in December to Super bowl favorite to whatever
- Saints went from 'all 13-0 teams went to super bowl' to 'no team finishing 0-3 went to super bowl'

We need to learn from the past. Not just the recent past. We have so many stories about 'The Bear'. One more to remember is that he did not get to finish his career at Bama. He was considered past his prime after some of his losses (inc to LSU).

I honestly don't think about Saban that much. There is no point.