Love the SEC, don't love Saban, what's a guy to do?

   I need to find a team to pull for tonight, and I'm struggling.

   I usually pull for the SEC. SEC football isn't a sport. It's a lifestyle. The SEC has the best stadiums and the best game-day atmosphere and the best fans and the best traditions and the best teams and -- can I say this? -- the best sundresses.

   Every September somebody writes to say that ACC football is just as good as SEC football. That's as absurd now as when I first heard it. Georgia Tech and Clemson played for the ACC championship. They also played SEC also-rans Georgia and South Carolina. The also-rans ran all over them.

   I have a problem, however. Nick Saban coaches Alabama. I spent a little time with Saban when he coached Louisiana State. I don't want to imply that he's not engaging. But talking to him was like talking to a ball bearing.

   And then there was this:

   Are you leaving the Miami Dolphins, Nick?

   No.

   You sure?

   Yes.

   You positive?

   I am.

   Anything else, Nick?

   Yes.

   What?

   I am out of here. But don't tell anybody.

     Mack Brown of Texas I know a little. We talked when he coached North Carolina. He would get sad, rather than angry, when you wrote something he didn't like. I wrote that he would freeze in big games. I wrote this because he would freeze in big games.

   These were the olden days when Florida State dominated the ACC. The Tar Heels were up and coming and ready to take the Seminoles, you could tell. And then the game would begin. And Mack would draw in.

   Mack, however, is a nice guy, remarkably unpretentious for a big-time coach.

   If this were a wrestling match between Mack and Saban, I'm cheering for Mack. But this is a football game between the SEC and Texas.

   I probably won't know who to pull for until the game begins.

   But I'm leaning toward Boise State.

Comments

[Sean May]

like him or hate him, lil' nicky can flat out coach.

[hellfish]

Go Bama! To he** with traitor Mack!

[Scott]

Saban is a true snake ....

the only traitor at unc is Roy....
Mack was smart to leave .... the acc is not where you want to play football...

Hey TOM .... kind wishes to you in 2010....
go kick that cancer and be safe!

[dogear]

You don't have to be a Saban-worshipper, Tom. But remember, it's all ball bearings nowadays.

ROLL TIDE!!!

[JOE]

THIS IS ACC COUNTRY TAKE YOUR SEC BANDWAGON SELF BACK DOWN THEN. HOW DARE YOU TALK JUNK ABOUT THE ACC. THIS IS OUR AREA AND DON'T FORGET IT. ARE YOU RELATED TO THE GUY SCOTT WHO WRITES JUNK ALSO?

[CD]

Nick Saban gets his second mythical championship. I honestly believe Boise State could hang with either of these teams, and it's a shame they don't get the chance. I-A football is a sham for the BCS.

[Eldridge Woods]

Sorry Tom, you doofus, but Nick once again proved the better coach. Guess you feel like an idiot once again!
AND THE ACC SUCKS!
SEC RULES!!!!

[James]

I never understood what the big deal was about Saban flip-flopping and bolting from Miami. After all, it is the League of Mercenaries - they are used to it. They are grown ups. It should be expected. I don't blame Bobby Petrino for bailing on the Falcons either. I feel differently when coached do it to colleges - these are young men they recruited to come to that school. But the NFL, pfft. The No Fun League of mercenaries doesn't matter.

[JT]

Saban just doesn't like reporters. It's obvious in his press conference or when he's interviewed live. He hates talking about meaningless things and just likes to focus on the task at hand. I can personally vouch for him in that I've met him several times at alumni conferences and meetings in Tuscaloosa and can tell you he is a very nice man and is very engaging away from the media. His wife, Terry, is also a very nice person as well.