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The anticipation I once felt for football season is gone
Posted on 7/28/26 at 3:30 pm
Posted on 7/28/26 at 3:30 pm
And I'm not sure where to place the blame. I think it's a cumulative effect really that's been amplified by getting older and having a kid.
1. I think it started with the changes in recruiting. That used to feel like a year round sport in itself. With the open transfer portal, recruiting has just become an afterthought. When you signed Landon Collins 14 years ago, it felt like you were guaranteed 3 years of Landon Collins. Sure there were transfers then, but guys were going where they wanted to be.
2. I don't recognize the product on the field anymore. This started in the later Saban years and I think it plagues all of college football, not just Alabama. Just sloppy, undisciplined play. Shoddy refereeing. Shoddy coaching. The product itself has gone downhill, again I think this is a byproduct of the transfer portal because it hinders player development.
3. I guess I'm just getting older and it doesn't consume me like it used to
This isn't a spoiled Bama fan soliloquy. My first memories are from the Stallings era, so my peak emotional investment was during some very dark years. It just feels like the overall product is a shell of what it used to be. I'll still tune in every Saturday, it just doesn't quite hit like it used to. Anyway else going through this?
1. I think it started with the changes in recruiting. That used to feel like a year round sport in itself. With the open transfer portal, recruiting has just become an afterthought. When you signed Landon Collins 14 years ago, it felt like you were guaranteed 3 years of Landon Collins. Sure there were transfers then, but guys were going where they wanted to be.
2. I don't recognize the product on the field anymore. This started in the later Saban years and I think it plagues all of college football, not just Alabama. Just sloppy, undisciplined play. Shoddy refereeing. Shoddy coaching. The product itself has gone downhill, again I think this is a byproduct of the transfer portal because it hinders player development.
3. I guess I'm just getting older and it doesn't consume me like it used to
This isn't a spoiled Bama fan soliloquy. My first memories are from the Stallings era, so my peak emotional investment was during some very dark years. It just feels like the overall product is a shell of what it used to be. I'll still tune in every Saturday, it just doesn't quite hit like it used to. Anyway else going through this?
5
Posted on 7/28/26 at 3:56 pm to Riseupfromtherubble
I feel the same to some degree. I imagine a great team would change my opinion but I don’t know if what I’ve come to expect a great team to look like is possible anymore.
Posted on 7/28/26 at 4:00 pm to Riseupfromtherubble
I’m with you bro, I’m not near as excited about the season anymore and it has gotten worse every year.
I almost gave up my season tickets but decided to give it at least one more year. I’ve been a fan since the 80’s so maybe I’m getting older and not caring as much but it’s a combo of things for me also
The transfer portal, Saban retiring, the lack of effort and discipline from our team and others (this partly dues to NIL imo)
I almost gave up my season tickets but decided to give it at least one more year. I’ve been a fan since the 80’s so maybe I’m getting older and not caring as much but it’s a combo of things for me also
The transfer portal, Saban retiring, the lack of effort and discipline from our team and others (this partly dues to NIL imo)
Posted on 7/28/26 at 4:00 pm to Riseupfromtherubble
That and watching teams from Indiana embarrass the SEC juggernauts (Bama and UGA) kills it too. It was fun watching us shite all over those teams growing up. But since the NIL was implemented, the tables have turned and now the SEC is the Big-10's bitch.
Posted on 7/28/26 at 4:24 pm to Riseupfromtherubble
I’m surprised that I’m really interested in this year but I think it is because Alabama has a legitimate chance to shut the doubter’s mouths. If things go poorly, I’m almost certain to check out. I believe that will be the case for many.
IMO, Alabama as a university is in great danger. If Alabama becomes just another good program it will be disastrous. Because of money, the entire SEC, excepting A&M and UTw, may be essentially neutered.
Alabama may survive longer and prosper more than the other middle class programs because DeBoer’s staff is exceptional evaluators and recruiting strategists, and he’s created a pleasant atmosphere, but if money continues to be the driving force it will eventually render their efforts useless.
But this staff is easily the best staff that Alabama could have at this time and it’s madness to think of getting rid of DeBoer. Many Alabama fans understand but there are some loud ones, along with the trolls, who can cause real damage. Thankfully, the athletic admin seems to understand. But in the end it may not matter.
IMO, Alabama as a university is in great danger. If Alabama becomes just another good program it will be disastrous. Because of money, the entire SEC, excepting A&M and UTw, may be essentially neutered.
Alabama may survive longer and prosper more than the other middle class programs because DeBoer’s staff is exceptional evaluators and recruiting strategists, and he’s created a pleasant atmosphere, but if money continues to be the driving force it will eventually render their efforts useless.
But this staff is easily the best staff that Alabama could have at this time and it’s madness to think of getting rid of DeBoer. Many Alabama fans understand but there are some loud ones, along with the trolls, who can cause real damage. Thankfully, the athletic admin seems to understand. But in the end it may not matter.
Posted on 7/28/26 at 4:30 pm to Riseupfromtherubble
I’m the same way and it isn’t because we aren’t #1. I was excited during the down years. I’m sure part of it is a post-Saban hangover but there’s certainly more to it.
It honestly felt like the sport we all loved ended on the field of the Rose Bowl back in January 2024. Since then Saban retired, the portal became a huge factor, the SEC added Texas & OU, NIL exploded even more, older players are more common, and the regular season was diluted by the expanded playoff. You can like the changes or hate them, but the sport fundamentally changed.
I don’t think Bama fans are alone with this feeling either. I’ve talked with UGA, AU, and LSU fans that feel the same way.
It honestly felt like the sport we all loved ended on the field of the Rose Bowl back in January 2024. Since then Saban retired, the portal became a huge factor, the SEC added Texas & OU, NIL exploded even more, older players are more common, and the regular season was diluted by the expanded playoff. You can like the changes or hate them, but the sport fundamentally changed.
I don’t think Bama fans are alone with this feeling either. I’ve talked with UGA, AU, and LSU fans that feel the same way.
This post was edited on 7/28/26 at 4:34 pm
Posted on 7/28/26 at 4:33 pm to tattoo
The entire University of Alabama model depends on putting a high quality football product on the field. If that diminishes, then that's like having a busted foundation. Everything else above begins to crumble.
Admissions go down, UA starts having to cut programs and faculty, Tuscaloosa becomes pockmarked with LUXURY STUDENT HOUSING that has been sold off to Section 8 and shopping centers going to ruin.
It'd be bad. UA is just not setup to be a top crust academic institution yet. It needs football or the whole house of cards collapses.
Admissions go down, UA starts having to cut programs and faculty, Tuscaloosa becomes pockmarked with LUXURY STUDENT HOUSING that has been sold off to Section 8 and shopping centers going to ruin.
It'd be bad. UA is just not setup to be a top crust academic institution yet. It needs football or the whole house of cards collapses.
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