I’m savoring this one a bit more

I’ve been watching Bama football for almost a half century now. Y’all like to call me one of the old farts on the board and maybe I am, but I’m an old fart that’s still young at heart. This is my 11th natty that I have witnessed. I got to watch Coach Bryant at his zenith and his all too rapid decline and swan song. I got to watch Bebes and the 92 lil ole Bama team slay the monster Canes. And I’ve seen Saban’s dynasty blossom into the juggernaut that it is.

But this one feels special and for good reason. It IS special. Savor it, sip it, relish it and reflect upon it. Because as great and storied as our Crimson heritage is, this one is unique. It is a flawless diamond among a collection of beautiful gemstones. You never say never, particularly in sports, but IMHO, last night we witnessed the culmination of the best coaching of the finest group of players and men that ever traversed the hallowed halls of Alabama football.
Never before have we witnessed such an offensive machine dialed into pinpoint precision such that no team even slowed it down. Notre Dame did the best job of that but it was by keeping the ball away from them in a game where frankly, it was no contest at halftime and Alabama looked bored and uninterested in the second half. This team broke every offensive record for passing and scoring we have, and most of the SEC ones as well. And they made it look easy in the process.
They stayed focused and mission driven despite the distractions of a pandemic that nearly paused the sport, political unrest, racial tensions, and demands of sacrifices of their lifestyles no other team has ever had to make.
And this team did it with a class and style and leadership that was second to none. Even had they lost somewhere along the way, this group has long ago laid claim to be among the classiest teams to ever represent the Capstone. But they would not be denied. Nothing could stand in their way.
The leaders are an outstanding group of men among men: Najee, Dylan Moses, The Joker, Big Dickerson, Leatherwood the warrior poet, and of course, the Slim Reaper. The awards and accolades speak for themselves. There’s a reason this is the most decorated team in the history of the sport; there’s never been a group like them.
So I am honored that I got to witness the finest season by a special group of men. It is with pride, joy, and a good measure of sadness that I say farewell to this rendition of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Don’t dare to compare future versions to this one because the comparison just isn’t fair. They are breaking up the band of brothers. Sark departs for Texas, the seniors prepare for the NFL or life after football. Alabama will be back next year with another group of young warriors ready to take on the football world, but they won’t be able to fill the shoes of the 2020 team, not completely. So cut them some slack when they aren’t the best ever. You only get to see that once.
So take a little extra time to absorb the historic importance of the season we just had and cherish it. Maybe it’s my age making me appreciate things a little more but I don’t think so. Call it experienced enough to know when I’ve seen the very best and I am honored to have done so. Thank you, Alabama Crimson Tide v 2020. I enjoyed the hell out of that show! Roll Tide.