I can definitely see what the OP is saying (obviously anybody who sees how many people live and breathe Bama football can see it to an extent). I went to Bama for their accounting program. Fortunately for me, as an avid fan of a number of sports, especially basketball, baseball, golf and football (having played them growing up), Alabama had (and has) great athletic programs to support. While I admit that losing, especially when I expect to win, can put me in a sour mood for a few hours, it doesn't really affect my life.

I think the whole concept of being "too emotionally invested", while true for a number of hardcore (mostly sidewalk) fans, is a bit overblown though. For me the level of emotional investment in athletic programs is limited and typically only tied to expectations. I love Bama basketball, but I don't get pissed when we lose to Kentucky because I don't expect us to be on their level consistently based on a number of factors. However, if Bama loses to any team they realistically could or should beat, it's disappointing, but mostly just because I want the school to succeed at everything.

It's not a whole lot different than my golf hobby, or playing basketball, etc. I'm a 10 handicap, so if I shoot an 82 I don't get as upset as I would if I shot a 92. Really the only difference between that and Bama sports is that I can do a whole lot more to improve my golf game than I can to improve Bama's secondary.

This post was edited on 10/6/13 at 9:31 am