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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?
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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.
Posted on 7/28/26 at 4:52 pm to Diego Ricardo
Agree completely.
It would seem like an extreme measure, but it might be necessary to divert funds (maybe as much as $50-100m) from elsewhere to the athletic dept, i.e. football, to avert the decline of the University as a whole. Obviously, the ptb are aware of the danger but I know that it would be tough for the academic idealists to take, but their own employment may eventually be on the line.
It would seem like an extreme measure, but it might be necessary to divert funds (maybe as much as $50-100m) from elsewhere to the athletic dept, i.e. football, to avert the decline of the University as a whole. Obviously, the ptb are aware of the danger but I know that it would be tough for the academic idealists to take, but their own employment may eventually be on the line.
Posted on 7/28/26 at 5:13 pm to tattoo
Due to the house settlement I’m not sure what diverting money within UA would do because that spending is capped. We’d need that money to leave the institution and go to a private party that could contrive an NIL opportunity to net more athletes. Obviously, that is fraud.
Capital expenditures aren’t going to move the meter anymore. I think these kids would workout in double wides and practice on dirt if the price were right.
Capital expenditures aren’t going to move the meter anymore. I think these kids would workout in double wides and practice on dirt if the price were right.
Posted on 7/28/26 at 5:13 pm to Riseupfromtherubble
That anticipation and excitement for football has completely changed for the basketball program. Finally seeing the program have an great coach who stubbornly believes in his system, as opposed to the lethargic b.s we were sold under Grant and Avery.
Posted on 7/28/26 at 5:19 pm to Diego Ricardo
Ed Zackary
Will happen slowly then on to all at once
Will happen slowly then on to all at once
Posted on 7/28/26 at 5:54 pm to Riseupfromtherubble
Sucks for yall, Roll Tide!
Posted on 7/28/26 at 6:04 pm to tattoo
I was thinking more in terms of encouraging donors to academic endeavors to direct their funds to a more important effort that would keep the University afloat - football. How ironic ??.
Posted on 7/28/26 at 6:27 pm to Diego Ricardo
Maybe UA needs to follow its own course.the current education everywhere is outdated.
Posted on 7/28/26 at 6:28 pm to tattoo
If it gets to that, just cut sports. It's not that serious.
Posted on 7/29/26 at 12:56 am to Riseupfromtherubble
Agree on all points.
I think the #1 issue is the transfer portal. It destroyed recruiting as far as my interest goes. When you can shop for the top dollar annually, who really cares about a 5 star committing out of high school? It's good and all, but it just doesn't have the same impact when their "signing" means nothing.
I'm also really tired of seeing kids get millions of dollars to play an "amateur" game. 0 loyalty from 99% of players just sucks the life out of college football.
I think the #1 issue is the transfer portal. It destroyed recruiting as far as my interest goes. When you can shop for the top dollar annually, who really cares about a 5 star committing out of high school? It's good and all, but it just doesn't have the same impact when their "signing" means nothing.
I'm also really tired of seeing kids get millions of dollars to play an "amateur" game. 0 loyalty from 99% of players just sucks the life out of college football.
Posted on 7/29/26 at 6:21 am to Riseupfromtherubble
At least these guys have some spending money to go see a movie and hit up Taco Bell afterward.
Posted on 7/29/26 at 7:28 am to Dubosed
I am less interested in the offseason for sure. But one the season rolls around and you can leave it on ABC and have three SEC games I will be watching all day.
Posted on 7/29/26 at 7:50 am to Diego Ricardo
quote:
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.
Guess I will be the only one that disagrees with the doom and gloom of our University suffering just because football is bad. Dr. Witt started his vision when Bama was suffering some of the worst football years in our existence. Sure, having a great football program helps in recruiting students but in the end they don't list having an elite football program as pirority #1. UA is the most generous school in giving out scholarships. Having a chance to graduate without any debt is a bigger draw than football, not only for interested students but their parents as well.
Posted on 7/29/26 at 7:51 am to Riseupfromtherubble
quote:
I'll still tune in every Saturday, it just doesn't quite hit like it used to. Anyway else going through this?
You are not alone. I started following Bama football in the late 70's. One of my earliest memories is the goal line stand against Penn St in the Sugar Bowl so I've experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows. It's just different now, and not in a good way. Kids don't care about getting an education, becoming a better man, and learning how to fight through adversity. They just chase the dollars and jump ship if their feelings get hurt.
Privileged that I got to experience the tail end of the Bryant Era, the resurgence under Stallings, and the behemoth that Saban built. I'll still watch but the emotional investment is gone.
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