quote:
I think Saban and Miles have a great deal of respect for each other. Eventually the fans will see the light. Alabama/LSU is now what Alabama/Tennessee used to be as a rivalry, before it turned sour.

The hate came from

1. Saban going to Alabama in the first place
2. His going to Alabama tarnishing our success from 2000-2004
3. Bama fans claiming, "We got your coach."
4. Bama fans claiming that all of LSU's success had to do with Saban.
5. Bama fans claiming that LSU would not go back into the toilet.
6. Saban using his time in Louisiana as LSU's coach to his advantage in recruiting Louisiana.
7. Insecurity of LSU fans pining away for Saban for years and hating Miles.
8. 2011. 2011. 2011.

All of that began in January 2007 when LSU was destroying Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl and Saban was pointing to the players that he recruited. Then the national media picked up on "Les is an idiot" meme and LSU did not get credit for their success - Saban did.

Alabama beating LSU on the field only made it worse.

My guess is that the feud is turning more respectful again as time goes by. The next time that LSU beats Alabama will clear the air quite a bit. I've never hated Alabama before Saban went there and I'll stop hating them after he leaves.

But, again, this is all in fun. It isn't real "hate." It is SEC football "hate," which is actually just fun mixed with respect and a bit of fear.