re: Saban return to Baton Rouge 2008 vs Kiffin return to Oxford 2026

It’s was more of an optimistic energy, rather than rage, that fueled an electric environment on Saban’s return.

LSU was coming off of a national championship season, and LSU was on a hot streak against Bama, beating them 7 times in the previous 8 meetings.

I think most fans realized that dominance would end, but the rivalry would be closer to 50/50 going forward with Saban at Bama*.
(* It was at first. LSU was 3-2 against Saban in his first five seasons at Alabama)

Alabama was ranked #1, but had weaknesses. I would describe the atmosphere as; Alabama had Saban, but LSU had a night crowd in Tiger Stadium. Let’s see which one is the bigger advantage.