As I read the “Major Media Outlets” and “Message Board” projections for the Alabama - Florida SEC Championship game, I can’t understand why Bama would even bother making the trip to Atlanta. Why put the team through another grueling week of practice, the stressful bus ride all the way to Atlanta and another seven days of “No Hope for the Tide” media headlines.
It seems almost cruel and inhumane to ask a bunch of 19 and 20-year-old kids to endure such humiliation. I’ll be shocked if Coach Saban doesn’t call Florida and forfeit the game right after the Bama-Auburn game is over.
I can’t help but to think back to the similarities between the 1992 season and the present. Those of you old enough to remember 1992 may recall the same “media bias” and overall fan perception relating to the final game of that season (93 Sugar Bowl, Bama vs. Miami).
Bama had no chance of winning that game, hell, staying within three touchdowns of the heralded Miami team would have been considered some sort of “moral victory” for the over-matched and overrated Crimson Tide. Miami had all the weapons, the four fastest and most talented receivers ever to play the game. (Lamar Thomas, Horace Copeland, Darryl Spencer and Kevin Williams.)
At a pre game press conference, Miami’s Lamar Thomas proclaimed himself and his three counterparts as "The best receiving corps ever assembled." He also stated that “Anytime we get a team in man-to-man coverage, it's simply unfair."
Miami was the defending national champions. They had Heisman Trophy winner, Gino Torretta, calling the signals and throwing to that golden receiving group. Torretta had experienced defeat only once in his last 28 starts. The Miami defense was to be feared by all who stepped on the playing field.
According to one Media Expert, “the Miami defense was giving up about six inches a game while the offense could score at will against any team in the Nation”. The national media (and many fans) felt sorry for the “one dimensional” Crimson Tide.
Most “Experts” claimed that all Bama had accomplished the entire year, was running the ball against a few “weak SEC teams.” The Miami linebackers, Jessie Armstead, Micheal Barrow and Darrin Smith would have no part of allowing any team to run on them.
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about 1 month ago
Alan:
Good article - However, I must ask, why are you focusing on Florida at this time? I too hope we are a 3 TD dog to UF, but we have a game with a wounded and pathetic and dangerous Auburn team which probably feels about the # 1 team in America like we feel about UF. Our season will end with a loss to Auburn like it did with the loss to LSU last year.
That said, your style is great and you make many good points.
PS - UF also has the Heisman Trophy Winner - Roll Tide
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Larry,
I knew I would get the hammer for the Florida story before the Auburn Game.
I'm presently located on a ship about 200 miles off the coast of West Africa. Our internet connection (satellite) fades in and out for days at a time, sometimes weeks. I had the thoughts in my head this morning and decided to get them out while they were fresh and the internet was working.
I know the Auburn game is going to be a battle to the finish. It always is, no matter what the records of the two teams are. I have some thoughts about that game also, however I would never even attempt to touch that one, scared I may cause the voodoo curse to come out.
Roll Tide
from about 1 month ago
Larry your crazy if you think that isn't goin to be the best game you have ever witnessed. An with the Tide playin Auburn the week before it is like a scrimage warn up game, an are goin to keep it rollin into the final week. Im predicting Bama by 6 points
about 1 month ago
Good article. I agree with Larry that it is premature.
While I agree with the correlation between the 1992 and 2008 media, I don't see the correlation between 2008 Florida and 1992 Miami. Tebow and company won't be boasting in press conferences about how great they are, and they won't be overlooking the Crimson Tide despite the media hype. Nor does our coaching staff have the time to prepare that Stallings and company had for Miami.
If a correlation is to be made with 1992. If Bama wins, it will be a game more like the 1992 SEC Championship than the National Championship game.
Thanks for the article.
Roll Tide.
about 1 month ago
Leonard,
Thanks for the comments. I agree that this Florida team and their coaching staff are light years ahead of the 92 Miami team when it comes to class. Receiver and Quarterback positions are very similar, Florida probably has a better group than Miami did. Hopefully Florida and Bama can make it to the SEC championship game undefeated and we can all see another great SEC battle. I probably could have saved myself a few minutes and summed the article up in one sentence: “Any team in the SEC can win on any Saturday”. Thanks for reading it
Alan P
about 1 month ago
Thanks for the wonderful memories. I had forgotten about the "one dimensional" comments. I am really happy they get to play the game to decide who plays for the NC.
I would like to point out that in 1994 Alabama was 11-0 and played Florida in the SEC Championship. Alabama lost 23 to 24 thanks to the Florida defense. Let's hope for a different outcome this year!
http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/alab-m-footbl-sched-1994.html
Roll Tide!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Bill,
I was getting bashed pretty hard by a Gator fan the other day. While he was explaining how Fla was going to put up 40 or 50 on the Tide, my mind started drifting back to the 92 sugar bowl. I couldn't help but smile and think about the same thing you mentioned; Thank God they let them play the game.
Anyway, while I was reminiscing about the 92 game, I thought I would share my memories with a few fans.
Thanks for reading the article
Alan P
about 1 month ago
The press is overlooking the Tide, but rest assured, Meyer and the Gators will be FULLY focused on the #1 team in the country after the FSU game (however, I suspect there may be some serious "forward planning" being done during the Citadel week).
Good luck against Auburn
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for reading the article Joe,
I think they'll both be ready. I think you're looking at 2 of the best coaches in the country. Both have been there before and both have a way of getting ready for "the big one."
I think Florida probably has more talent at the skilled positions, Bama has the edge with the "Big Uglies." both coaches will come up with a scheme that can win the game. The team able to execute that scheme with the least mistakes wins.
Here's to everyone staying undefeated until Dec 6.... Cheers and good luck with FSU
Alan P
about 1 month ago
you are an idiot.... if you think alabama is going to lay down and let gators win... we will fight to the end... if they beat us fine...good for them but for us to lay down and not go to the game you really are the most disrespectful person i have seen write an article about us..
WE ARE ALABAMA! ROLL TIDE! GO BAMA.
from about 1 month ago
it's called sarcasm.
from about 1 month ago
Florida will lay BAMA down and reveal them for the OVERATED team that they are. There are at least four teams that would work Bama...Florida, Oklahoma, Texas and USC...WAKE UP America!
from about 1 month ago
Sorry Krystal, That entire article went right over your head..
I'll try to use smaller words next time
ROLL TIDE
about 1 month ago
Great article Alan. I'm in the Gulf of Mexico, survey. What you workin on in West Africa?
from about 1 month ago
Thanks For reading Justin.
I'm commissionning some new oil platforms off the coast of Luanda.
I did make it back to the US in time to see the Auburn game yesterday...
Life is good, roll tide
about 1 month ago
After the Auburn game is over, Satan will wish he could cancel the Florida game.
about 1 month ago
Points well taken; being the media darling is never a good thing going into a big game. I have faith the Urbaninator will make all your points and more with the team (and loudly) leading up to Dec 6th. I don't think you'll be reading any quotes in the news like those you reference made by the my_jammies players leading up to the game.
But the current focus here is FSU this week. The noles proved they can play last weekend against the terps; they will be playing to salvage their decade, not just their season. I've been on the Gators side of this rivalry for 45 years, and believe me, the noles have a passion for the game that is off the charts.
And the tide best not look past that poor Orbun team that is showing courage by just showing up to play the #1 tide, they have players too.
about 1 month ago
You folks are IDIOTS!!!!!!!
How dare you say Roll Tide and write some shit like this... IDIOTS!
from about 1 month ago
There's one of you guys on every message board.
My next article will be called "Sarcasm for beginners" ... maybe you'll get that one.
ROLL TIDE
about 1 month ago
Wow. Apparently some of the Bama fans need to have their sarcasm detectors re-calibrated.
about 1 month ago
It'll be a great game...I never realized the similarities between the '92 team and the '08 team. I have faith in Big Nick. He'll have his boyz ready!!!
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!
about 1 month ago
It'll be a great game for sure. I never realized the similarities between the '92 team and the '08 team. I know for sure Big Nick will have his boyz ready to play!!!
ROLL TIDE ROLL !!!!
about 1 month ago
Geez, way to stay positive guys. For the record, that 36-0 beat down we handed those Auburn Tigers today to end a six year winning streak, in my opinion was just the spark we needed heading into the upcoming Florida game. We are without a doubt the underdog, but weak competition or not, we didn't get all of those Ws on charm and goodlooks. The tide has several seniors who would like nothing more than to continue their winning streak and I KNOW it's going to be one HELL of a game.
Roll Tide Roll.
from about 1 month ago
Alabama, I agree. The 36-point beat down could not have come at a better time for this Bama team.
A couple of tidbits that caught my attention and add even more intrigue to next Saturday's game in Atlanta:
Bama beat AU 36-0; it was the largest margin of victory 46 years.
Florida beat FSU 45-19; it was the most points ever scored by Florida at Doak Campbell Stadium.
Also, as a Florida fan, I just love the last line in this quote:
"It was a good tail-whipping," FSU coach Bobby Bowden said. "I didn't think they would beat us like that here. The last time we had a beating like that was last year against them."
about 1 month ago
We shouldn't be making any comparisons between Miami and Florida because Tebow can run!
What a simplistic, sophomoric, analysis--you shouldn't see such lightweight writing in the Bleacher Report under the guise of informed comment. Let's just hope the game doesn't get out of hand for either team and the SEC proves that they are the best conference and lays to rest this BIG 12 hype.
about 1 month ago
Hi Alan and Justin! Hope both you guys get to watch the game Saturday! As you can see I am a "GatorGal"!!! GO GATORS!!!!!!! It is going to be an exciting game, will have to take my blood pressure meds early that day! Honestly, You just never, never know on such a game as this..I remember the Ohio State/Fla Game and I just knew Ohio State would beat them but I was just proud of the Gators for being there even if they had lost but it was THE BEST GAME I ever watched!! I was amazed sooooo like I said you just never know..the thing I DO know is that both teams will PLAY THEIR HEARTS OUT!!!! and both should be proud for their season! of course I WANT the GATORS to WIN!! Lord, my stomach gets tight just thinking about it..EXCITEMENT at its BEST! LOVE College Football! Flagal
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for reading GatorGal,
I'm back in The good Ole USA and so looking forward to watching the game Saturday. I've shipped the kids off to grandma's, prepared the "do not disturb" signs for the front door, unplugged all the phones and placed six bottles of Pepto-Bismo beside every TV in the house.
I think Both teams will be ready to play. The two best coaches in the conference (probably in the country) will put together a great game plan that can win the game. I think Florida has more talent than Bama but I think the team with the fewest mistakes and the biggest heart will win it.
I also believe the winner of this game is your new national Champion.
This is college football at its best
Thanks again for reading the piece.
Roll Tide.
about 1 month ago
HI Alan,
So glad you are back for the game :)...Amen to all you said except they both have the BIG HEARTS to win AND the greatest coaches!! the key, like you said, will be mistakes..Fla is up there when it comes to penalties! We all will have to come back here Sunday and congratulate the winner whoever that will be for great seasons and pull for them to win National Champion! :) Can't wait for Saturday!!
will be thinking about all you fans here! GO GATORS :)
about 1 month ago
Ok, I am just a girl and do not understand.........could someone please explain how the BCS bowl games are teamed up? I would have thought 1 plays 2 , 3 plays 4, 5 plays 6, etc. How in the heck did Bama end up playing Utah? except for 1 and 2 they are all mixed up..is there a system they use? I am confused????
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