Obesity is a very dangerous problem in this country.

At its core, what Bielema and Saban are fighting for is heft and how it works within their respective programs. They're fighting for the sanctity of a system that values young men whose bodies are culturally mandated to be morbidly obese for the immediate, short-term benefit of themselves, their universities and their coaches.

Improved player safety -- true improved player safety -- might mean implementing programs that make sure young men don't gain 50 pounds in six months. It might mean conditioning a team to make sure there are fewer 350-pound guys sucking wind as they try to get off the field, which might create a world with fewer ex-players developing Type II diabetes in their early 40s.

So their argument is purely tactical, and that's the most distasteful part.

Clearly, Alabama and Arkansas have trouble dealing with the quick-paced offenses that have become more common and successful in the SEC and beyond. The backbone of Alabama's defense is comprised of two of those clinically obese interior lineman backed by remarkably athletic linebackers. And the argument against the hurry-up, spread offense is simply an argument to preserve the viability of a system that is being threatened by innovation, not by health risks.

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