A Look In the Mirror

I know this pains Ohio State fans to hear this, but you’re just like us.

I just… I can’t. Look at yourselves people!

Were Alabama supporters and Buckeye fans to switch teams for a game no one would know the difference.

Well, except for the accents, I suppose, although, traveling into rural Ohio doesn’t sound much different from a drive through Slap Out, AL if I’m being honest.

I know what you’re saying, Urban Meyer disciple, “whatever dude, at least OUR fans didn’t purposely destroy a fan base’s tradition by poisoning a tree!”

This is true.

Harvey Updyke is indeed a black eye on all of us Alabama fans.

He is a sad, sad man who I will admit is probably a bigger representative of Tide fan behavior than most of us would like to allow. He just actually went through with the insane behavior.

With that being said, I have to present you with exhibit A in the Tide’s case of similar fan bases.

When Alabama wins we don’t turn the greater Tuscaloosa area into Beirut in the 80’s.

I have to say, though, that OSU fans have shown better behavior over big wins since that time. Bammers haven’t poisoned any more shrubs since Updyke, so hopefully we’ve moved on as well.

Probation?

Sure, we’ve got you beat in that regard, but your beloved Senator sunk your program for a short period.

The silver lining in that is if Ohio State never gets in trouble do you have Urban Meyer as your coach? Probably not. If Alabama’s problems hadn’t led to eventual hiring and firing of Mike Shula we wouldn’t have Nick Saban.

Again, a draw.

At this time I would like to think that both Alabama and Ohio State fans can find a common ground in the fact that at least we aren’t as stupid as Florida State fans.

Roll Tide.

 

 

The Fear

It’s been nearly 24 hours since it happened.

Yes, nearly a day has passed since my alma mater, THE University of Alabama Crimson Tide, was set to play Ohio State in the first ever college football playoff.

For seven years I have lived amongst throngs of Buckeye fans.

Ahh yes, look at your local media, groveling for his every last morsel, but seriously, get your damn cell phone out of my shot.

I’ve even infiltrated your lair and have seen your leader up close.

Existing here has been an easy task I must confess, for when one’s team sits on three national titles in five season it makes co-existing with such savages tolerable.

I kid of course.

It’s never tolerable.

Again I kid.

My friends, neighbors, and co-workers are full of scarlet and grey clad supporters.

While a large number of them are quite friendly to my face and outwardly indifferent to the success of my university I know deep down that they toil in rage as Nick Saban and his mercenaries torch a path across the college football landscape.

Oh I’ve seen it. The gleeful Facebook posts and tweets reveling in the few and far between stumbles of God’s chosen program.

Funny how three national titles in five years allows someone like myself to look past that sort of thing.

I’m cool with it.

I get it.

Did I mention the national titles?

Now here we are, finally face to face on what is to be the biggest stage in the history of college football.

It’s the fear that lingers the most. That unmistakable quiver in your gut.

Both fan bases felt that tremor whether they want to admit to it or not.

For us, it’s the potential of Urban Meyer and his Big Ten miscreants shuttling into New Orleans and shattering our world.

For you, it’s the potential of Nick Saban obliterating what little respect is left for Jim Delaney’s conference and proving what everyone already thinks of the Buckeyes as true.

With all of this traversing through my mind I felt the need to spew it out here.

A chronicling of my life as an Alabama fan in Columbus, OH.

I’ve come to the realization that this could either end up being the most glorious thing ever or just awful. You know, eating Papa Johns on a golf cart awful.

Until January 1st, best of luck, Buckeye fans.

Roll Tide.