I have a feeling

[rtrcam]

I've got a feeling that, in about 5 years, we'll all look back on this team as the one that began the Shula Dynasty. I've always wondered what it must have been like for all those guys back in 1958 when Coach Bryant told them they'd win a national championship in 4 years. I wonder if they really believed him at the time. I know by the end of the year they must have. Does anyone remember what BAMA's record was that year? 5-4-1. That's not much better than 7-4 or 6-5, the two options this BAMA team is faced with. And as much as things have changed in college football, this team has had to have gone through much more than that team did. And, in four years they won that national championship.

I know one thing. I'll never forget this senior class. They have laid the foundation for championships. They've fought for every play this year. They've played hurt, when many wouldn't have attempted it. They've stayed with the program when, at times, it must have seemed like the program had abandoned them. I'm proud of this TEAM, proud of this University, and proud to be a BAMA fan. The barn is at its high water mark. A place it hasn't been before, and most likely won't be again for a very long time. Nothing would satisfy me more than to knock them off their perch at the most unlikely time. But no matter what happens this weekend, this program is headed in the right direction. Wins will begin to roll in on a weekly basis again and championships will be won. I say you can bank on it.

Roll Tide

 

[wisten]

Great post..

And you are right on every call!

 

[Dogtown Darren]

I agree. Great post.

Every time I look at #70 on the field, it makes me proud to be a Bama fan.

 

[trenda]

Good post.

The only thing I would add regarding the seniors is that they didn't just lay it on the line this year, they've done it for 4-5 years.

Some endured the debacle of 2000 and that coaching change.

They held the rope and hung tough when that coach tucked tail and ran.

They stood tall through the Price debacle and coaching change.

They've learned more offensive and defensive systems than you can shake a stick at.

They endured all of the rumor and innuendo surrounding the NCAA investigation and basically took the punishment for the transgressions of others.

They left it all on the field in 2000 at Fayetteville in the rain when the officials pulled the game from underneath them; in 2001, as UCLA came from behind and through questionable coaching calls at South Carolina and at Ole Miss; in '02 when Oklahoma broke everyone's heart and again when some questionable officiating did us in against GA, and as Fran packed it in for the Iron Bowl. In 2003, they held their heads up after heartbreakers against OK, NIU, AR, UT and AU and fought through a rash of injuries.

And this season's adversity just speaks for itself.

Through it all, this group of seniors has stayed together and stood strong against more adversity than anyone deserves.

Though their record may not be as sterling as past groups of seniors, I think this may actually be the finest and most honorable group of seniors this school has ever seen. And we all know, that is saying a lot!

RTR

:biga2: