Why does Alabama always avoid playing smaller in-state schools?

They play auburn every year

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Why should Bama help them out?

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Why not?

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Like what the hell is the point of having Mercer on the schedule? Why not play Troy or Jacksonville State or Samford or one of the SWAC teams? It's particularly galling when you consider the fact that Auburn plays in-state schools all the time. They played Alabama A&M last year, Jacksonville State the year before and Samford the year before that. What's Alabama's excuse?

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I'd rather not play Mercer, Western Carolina, Charleston Southern, Jacksonville State, Samford or Alabama A&M at all.

And, it's not like those schools aren't getting other games. They don't need Alabama to schedule them. There isn't any problem here.

Samford
2017 - @ Georgia
2016 - @ Mississippi State
2015 - @ Louisville

Jacksonville State
2017 - @ Georgia Tech
2016 - @ LSU
2015 - @ Auburn

Alabama A&M
2017 - @ UAB
2017 - @ Vanderbilt
2016 - @ MTSU
2016 - @ Auburn
2015 - @ Cincinnati

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They don't need Alabama to schedule them. There isn't any problem here

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The thought process from the play them side says keep the money in state, dont let it go out of state. However, like you stated, they are getting the games, thus they are getting money from out of state.


Really, I think the only pro is that many of these schools have fans who are also fans of the bigger school and allows them to see a game with both.

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The thought process from the play them side says keep the money in state, dont let it go out of state. However, like you stated, they are getting the games, thus they are getting money from out of state. Really, I think the only pro is that many of these schools have fans who are also fans of the bigger school and allows them to see a game with both.

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Yea - I mean I understand the "if we are going to do it anyway" point, and it's probably a bit of pettiness from the AD, but it's just always one of those things that seems to be made into a huge deal when it really isn't.

And, honestly, I don't think these games are going to keep happening for a whole lot longer.

Did you ever consider those schools might not want to play Alabama?

The excuse here in Arkansas - so it doesn't split the fan base.

I'm being serious here.

It all boils down to money. When a team comes into town, be it douche bag state from Podunkville USA, they travel. Small contingent, but they travel.

The economic impact that this has on the city is huge. Team, family members, fans, all have to eat and find a place to sleep. This equates to millions of dollars in revenue that is lost if they were to play Troy, UAB, Jax St. All of which, are a couple hours drive, at most, from T-town.

Scared