Rewatching LSU Bama 2007, thoughts re college football culture

To go back far enough and watch a game makes the contrast really, really stark.

First, Glenn Dorsey had an injury scare. He got a hurt knee, and Gary Danielson was arguing up and down to pull him. Dorsey had gone out of his way to come back to college one more time (pre NIL!) when he was going to be a high, high pick and make millions. Instead, he the player was fighting that and coaches (they told him it was his decision if he felt good enough to go back in during the game) to go back in to play after coming back another year. Absolute turnaround from leaving early. Absolute selflessness. Unthinkable now.

Second, a comment was made about a bama player serving a team imposed suspension for some academic violation, presumably cheating or not doing well in a class. Today?? Who could care LESS about class? It's minor league football! Go play! Screw school.

A third. Numerous players were pointed out as having been recruited by Saban but now were starters and contributors under Miles. And this was multiple years after Saban had left. Today? Even WITHOUT a coaching change, you're lucky to keep a couple of players for two consecutive years. They seem to transfer just for a literal change of scenery, even when depth in front or behind them is bad and they'll definitely play. Before? The players are THERE because that's what the frick happens. You commit to a school and that's generally it. Our third string QB did transfer from Harvard, but that's the exception.

Bonus. Toonces unironically everywhere was also wild.