The contemporary age of the SEC is here, Nick Saban is gone and Texas just declared war on Alabama.
I have a lot to think about in these delicate hours after Alabama bid farewell to the creator of “the process.”
Although the Longhorns won’t be in the league until July, Texas made it clear on Sunday that it is prepared to forge its own cruel legacy in the most competitive conference in the nation. Once a revered coach in Alabama, Steve Sarkisian of Texas is now a Marvel supervillain after setting Alabama’s soul on fire.Give him the name Sark. The Shark. Give him the name Sark. The Wild One. Sark, the rogue. Sark, the furious, ravenous genius.
In one chess move, Texas robbed Alabama of its reputation, its treasured memories, and maybe its finest player—while the carrot cake marking Saban’s retirement was still fresh in people’s minds. I still find it hard to believe Iron Bowl hero Isaiah Bond moved from Alabama to Texas after Nick Saban retired.Players were urged by DeBoer to give him a chance. Give me a black hat and some cowboy boots, said Bond.
The receiver who famously caught a touchdown in the most recent Iron Bowl is Bond. In the state of Alabama, it instantly elevated him to celebrity status. Less than two months have passed since that incredible play, which will go down in Alabama football history as one of the greatest moments ever, and everything now seems like the burned remains of a smoldering empire.
Being an Iron Bowl hero used to guarantee lifetime legendary status. College football has officially moved on from that era.
After Alabama’s incredible throw from Jalen Milroe to Bond, Auburn was meant to suffer forever; nevertheless, Alabama will now witness an Iron Bowl legend line up for Texas the following season. Is there anything sacrosanct these days? Is Bevo the SEC’s new monarch? Even so, how is this really life?
There was a time when being an Iron Bowl legend was like having entrance to another world. Nothing has changed in that regard. Now it’s a ticket out of town.
I’m inspired to write breakup poetry right now.
Is Saban’s comeback from retirement too late?
Is He Able to Pull an Urban Meyer?
I’ll stick my head in the oven; hold my beer.
Remove this discomfort with a blindside knockout.
To be clear, Bond shouldn’t be the target of animosity. There was nothing improper about his move from Alabama to Texas. It’s not the fault of any player to profit when they can. Go grab the money; it’s out there. That’s how the game works. The American Dream is that.
In 2024, college football will be unadulterated capitalism. No guidelines. Absence of rules All business.
Man, it hurts. I’m not lying. This one stings deep, even for a weathered, hardened press-box prick like myself. These days, players come and go, but that doesn’t mean viewers and supporters of the game have to like it.
