Whatever happens this season, let's enjoy what we have at Bama right now

[bonehouse81]

While many of us don't expect Bama to go undefeated again, and we realize the odds are against another MNC, I can't help but think that anything short of another SEC/national title run would leave us feeling like this team was something of a disappointment.

We tend to take it for granted that we've got a great team that will be favored over everyone we play, as opposed to savoring it, and I think that makes the "journey" less enjoyable.

As far as being a football fan goes, we've got it about as good as it gets this year: Our team is widely regarded as the most talented in the nation, we have the best coach in the nation at his peak, we have two future first-round running backs (including the reigning Heisman winner) leading an experienced offense, a front seven that could be monstrous, and just a bevy of talent all over the field.

Having all of those things is a rare thing, and would have been unheard of at Bama just a few short years ago.

So, with all that in mind, I say let's try to relish watching these guys, no matter what happens, instead of merely being content that high expectations were met, or fretting over anything that falls short of 14-0. Let's not let the bitterness of a loss or two exceed all the pleasure of calling a team like this our own.

:BigA:

 

[GITTIN14]

Amen. I am going to savor every play of every game. Its been a long time coming for Bama to take its place back on top where we belong. 1 loss or 2 isnt going to do anything but make 2011-12 more enticing. enjoy it folks, cause Coach Saban is recruiting like its 2008 and he isnt slowing down ,he's just hitting his stride. ROLL TIDE!


:BigA: :biggrin2::biggrin2::biggrin2::BigA:

 

[kyallie]

It's made watching the Tide a pleasure again. If we just take them one at a time we'll be alright. Coach say,player do! :BigA: :BigA: RTR!!!!!!!

 

[UAME]

Personally, I am at peace with where we are. All the naysayers and haters of the last ten years have been served their crow. It's obvious that The Process is in place, but even it could be susceptible to injury or the odd bounce of the football. We have the title. We have the best coach in football. If we earn more championships, so be it.

However, I will not bemoan every dropped pass or blown coverage this season. If we miss 5 fg's and lose by 1 point in Fayettville, the sun will still rise the next day. I plan on savoring the beat downs that we owe to UT, LSU, & AU for the last 15 years. Those scores are far from settled.

 

[Alasippi]

While many of us don't expect Bama to go undefeated again, and we realize the odds are against another MNC, I can't help but think that anything short of another SEC/national title run would leave us feeling like this team was something of a disappointment.

We tend to take it for granted that we've got a great team that will be favored over everyone we play, as opposed to savoring it, and I think that makes the "journey" less enjoyable.

As far as being a football fan goes, we've got it about as good as it gets this year: Our team is widely regarded as the most talented in the nation, we have the best coach in the nation at his peak, we have two future first-round running backs (including the reigning Heisman winner) leading an experienced offense, a front seven that could be monstrous, and just a bevy of talent all over the field.

Having all of those things is a rare thing, and would have been unheard of at Bama just a few short years ago.

So, with all that in mind, I say let's try to relish watching these guys, no matter what happens, instead of merely being content that high expectations were met, or fretting over anything that falls short of 14-0. Let's not let the bitterness of a loss or two exceed all the pleasure of calling a team like this our own.

:BigA:

That's a great post with great sentiment.

Only one problem....lol...You're talking about Alabama Football and I've never heard a true Bama fan ever say one time, "Well we didn't win a championship but the players tried really hard".

The expectations are always going to be higher than anywhere else in the nation. Always has been and always will be. That's what makes Bama football so great. Is it fair to the team and the coaches. Probably not.

But that's just the way it is.

I personally try to enjoy every game as much as possible. That lasts until the kickoff, at which point I become Coach Alasippi and pace back and forth on the sideline behind my sofa. By the end of the game I'm hoarse from calling offensive and defensive plays....lol...

When we win...it's a relief. When we lose it's not just a loss. It's the end of existence as I previously knew it.

I've grown up a bit and matured over the years, but when it comes to Bama football I might as well be a six year old kid caused I'm spoiled completely rotten....lol

Still, I thought your post was excellent.

sip

 

[PDX Gator]

I hope you guys can do it ( enjoy the season, that is...), the expectations around UF last year just seemed to drag the team down and even as UF was going 5-0, 6-0, 7-0 etc... fans were asking "how come UF can't beat UT worse", "why is our offense so conservative..."

Fans were griping despite going undefeated in the regular season, it made a 13-1 season a real grind which is sad...

BAMA should win 10+ games this year, so enjoy all the Ws, curse the Ls if they happen, but have fun doing it...

 

[Chukker Veteran]

While many of us don't expect Bama to go undefeated again, and we realize the odds are against another MNC, I can't help but think that anything short of another SEC/national title run would leave us feeling like this team was something of a disappointment.

We tend to take it for granted that we've got a great team that will be favored over everyone we play, as opposed to savoring it, and I think that makes the "journey" less enjoyable.

As far as being a football fan goes, we've got it about as good as it gets this year: Our team is widely regarded as the most talented in the nation, we have the best coach in the nation at his peak, we have two future first-round running backs (including the reigning Heisman winner) leading an experienced offense, a front seven that could be monstrous, and just a bevy of talent all over the field.

Having all of those things is a rare thing, and would have been unheard of at Bama just a few short years ago.

So, with all that in mind, I say let's try to relish watching these guys, no matter what happens, instead of merely being content that high expectations were met, or fretting over anything that falls short of 14-0. Let's not let the bitterness of a loss or two exceed all the pleasure of calling a team like this our own.

:BigA:

That's very good advice.

Last season, a few of my negative-minded friends were so worried we might lose a game that they never took time to enjoy the winning. They dreaded a loss so much that when the season ended without one, it was almost like "what a relief, I'm glad that's over."

I think the old timers might say "take a little time to smell the roses."

 

[GrayTide]

Regardless of the outcome of this season with all the media hype, we are the only team that can repeat as National Champions.

 

[Tug Tide]

Last year, I kept telling my friends wait till next year, so it may be hard.

 

[Just Win]

I agree with the original post. What many fans sometimes forget, is that most teams nowadays have good players and good coaches. It takes every player on every play doing their job right or the play has a chance of failure. And of course, your opponent is trying to whip your tail too. I think sometimes fans set themselves up for disappointment by being arrogant and putting too much emphasis on winning and losing. Don't get me wrong - I want Alabama to win every game, in any sport I'm watching them in. But if we give it our best effort and the other team simply wants it more on that given day, there's no shame in that. Remember, every Saturday, 50% of the teams are gonna lose. We just don't want to be one of them very often.

And when we were "down" in the middle of this past decade, and my friends were always bumming about it - I always told them the same thing that put it back in perspective: "Whether Alabama wins or loses on Saturday, I've still got bills to pay on Monday."

 

[BamaFossil]

I hope you guys can do it ( enjoy the season, that is...), the expectations around UF last year just seemed to drag the team down and even as UF was going 5-0, 6-0, 7-0 etc... fans were asking "how come UF can't beat UT worse", "why is our offense so conservative..."

Fans were griping despite going undefeated in the regular season, it made a 13-1 season a real grind which is sad...

BAMA should win 10+ games this year, so enjoy all the Ws, curse the Ls if they happen, but have fun doing it...

Good OP and good post (above) from a Gator perspective.

 

[judge9103]

For 60 years I've expected the Tide to go undefeated every year. I personally would rather feel the pain if they happen to lose a game as they have done in the distant past but will never plan those feeling in advance. If the players can feel and perform at a winning level fully expecting to win every single game, then we can at least respond by feeling the same way....which I do.

This is ALABAMA for heaven's sake!! Roll Tide Roll! I know you meant well but please go wash your mouth out with soap :0)

 

[bonehouse81]

I hope you guys can do it ( enjoy the season, that is...), the expectations around UF last year just seemed to drag the team down and even as UF was going 5-0, 6-0, 7-0 etc... fans were asking "how come UF can't beat UT worse", "why is our offense so conservative..."

Fans were griping despite going undefeated in the regular season, it made a 13-1 season a real grind which is sad...

BAMA should win 10+ games this year, so enjoy all the Ws, curse the Ls if they happen, but have fun doing it...

Yeah, that's exactly the sort of thing I see happening to us this season (and honestly, I don't know how well I'll follow my own advice :wink.

It's a shame it's gotta be like that, but what can you do -- it's human nature. We want "more, more, more," but more is never enough.

Thanks for the post, Gator, and good luck this season.

 

[bonehouse81]

For 60 years I've expected the Tide to go undefeated every year. I personally would rather feel the pain if they happen to lose a game as they have done in the distant past but will never plan those feeling in advance. If the players can feel and perform at a winning level fully expecting to win every single game, then we can at least respond by feeling the same way....which I do.

This is ALABAMA for heaven's sake!! Roll Tide Roll! I know you meant well but please go wash your mouth out with soap :0)

Who ever said Bama was gonna lose another game, ever?

Besides, I'm not talking about preparing for losses; I'm talking about enjoying the wins and enjoying the ride ...

 

[p'colabamaman]

If the season will ever get here, I plan to enjoy every second of it. Man, I love football season! And as a fan, you know that your team is eventually going to lose a game soon or later. But that doesn't mean I don't die a little bit when Bama loses one. I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting to win every game, or expecting to win them all in a year like this, when we're already rated No. 1. But if we do slip up and lose one, I'm grown up enough to get over it and start pulling for them all over again the next Sat.

God, if we have to lose a game this year, please don't let it be to AU or UT. Amen.

 

[afadam07]

I personally try to enjoy every game as much as possible. That lasts until the kickoff, at which point I become Coach Alasippi and pace back and forth on the sideline behind my sofa. By the end of the game I'm hoarse from calling offensive and defensive plays....lol...

When we win...it's a relief. When we lose it's not just a loss. It's the end of existence as I previously knew it.

Glad I'm not the only one.... Gotta add getting ticked at the refs on bad calls too.

*not coach alasippi though...

 

[Redwood Forrest]

Realism: We can't go 14-0 every year. We must lose sometime. I would take a BCSCG win every three or four years and be happy.

However, fan is short for fanatic. Until someone beats us, we are going 14-0. Roll Tide.

 

[BornCRIMSON]

I CAN'T TALK ABOUT IT RIGHT NOW........I FEEL LIKE I'M PEAKING TOO EARLY!!!!!

ROLL TIDE !! :BigA:

 

[judge9103]

Forgive these fans....they know not what they do. Alabama football team members should never hear such rhetoric. They are going to win every game they play this year, next year and thereafter. If there is ever a loss, that's when I'll deal with it...but I doubt that it's coming. RTR

 

[wishbonesooner]

The expectations of fans is a great motivator for any program. If you don't expect an undefeated season, you shouldn't be a fan. Fans of Holy Cross and Maryland and Slippery Rock don't dream of an unbeaten season, and they'll never have one.