I have no argument with this at all. I do see some claiming that all SEC fans think the conference's worst teams are better than any other conference's best, that the SEC is unbeatable, etc. No realistic SEC fan believes any of that. I realize that given the results of the past few years, SEC teams tend to get the benefit of the doubt, especially in the preseason polls, and I can understand the frustration from fans in other parts of the country. OTOH, we have won all but 1 of the last 8 NC's and usually have almost as many highly ranked teams at the end of the season as the rest of the conferences combined. This year we aren't particularly great and are probably no better than the PAC 12 overall.
First off, you & T-Town Tommy are quality posters considering your both Bama fans. I respect that and appreciate your insight. Yes, most SEC fans acknowledge what you say...assuming they're rational. The truth always lies in the middle. The SEC is the best conference...everyone agrees w/ that. SEC fans think they're better than they are & non-SEC fans think they're not as good as they're made out to be.
I live in SEC land & follow them more than most non-SEC fans (who typically aren't exposed to it b/c they live in Cali, the Midwest or the North). I've been to a lot of ND home games & I've been to quite a few SEC venues. I think the SEC fanbase is the most rabid of any. Doesn't mean they're better fans...but I believe they are more passionate. Keep in mind there's not a lot of options down here: no pro sports that dilute the SEC fandom. Sure you have the Saints, Falcons & Panthers but that doesn't compare. I tell my SEC friends that ND has got to be the most family friendly venue & worth the trip for any CFB fan. The experience is the stands pales in comparison to an SEC power's stadium...we've all experienced & heard this complaint. But going to South Bend is like going back in time...and that's a good thing that I appreciate.
Here's my theory on the SEC when I hear their fans, justifiably tout the 7 straight BCS NC. I attribute that run of dominance to two people: Nick Saban & Urban Meyer. Saban rebuilt LSU into a dominant program that hadn't had a sniff of a NC since the 1950s. Miles is the beneficiary of that. While a decent HC, I don't give him the same reverance b/c he's done less w/ more talent than any HC in America IMO. Had two teams not choked on applesauce in 2007, Miles doesn't get to back into the NC game...credit him for getting the win b/c that's all that matters but he was coming off an overtime loss to Arkansas & even LSU fans figured they were out of the discussion. The core of that team were Saban recruits so I credit him as much as Miles for the 2007 NC. Of course, Saban had three more w/ Bama. Urban Meyer had two while at UF. That accounts for six NCs. The other is a true anomaly that is likely credited to Cam Newton b/c it sure wasn't Gene Chizik. If it were, he wouldn't have been fired two years later. Meyer is gone & so is UF's dominance (for now). Saban is the greatest CFB coach of this generation and Bama should get paid protection money by the also-rans of the SEC who ride Bama's coattails every year.
I do give credit to Mike Slive. If he can protect our country the way he protects the SEC, he should be POTUS. What other conference schedules a third bye week (FCS opponent) in November to give their top teams a chance to rest starters & gain experience to backups? Other conferences can complain about it or copy it...it's not illegal....not impressive...but legal. My opinion is that any team that beats an FCS opponent should not get to count that as a win on their record b/c it's not an apples-to-apples competition.
If people are tired of the SEC...beat them. FSU did. One thing non-SEC fans (myself incl) don't understand is the cheering for a conference. I don't have a problem when Bama or LSU fans chant "SEC, SEC, SEC". But when Vandy, UF, Tenn, Ark, KY, etc do, it comes off as a huge inferiority complex. They don't get rings or bumper stickers touting NCs when Bama wins...they just get to be a sacrifical lamb. I supposed it justifies their existence & excuses their mediocrity b/c to say all those teams would win a conference despite going 7-5 in the SEC is debatable at best. Yanks & BoSox are in the AL East but neither would ever cheer for the other in the WS. Same goes for tOSU/scUM or Bears/Packers or Dodgers/Giants or UCLA/SCum, etc.
Sorry for the long winded post. I am glad T-Town & Bishop are here to discuss ND & CFB....agree/disagree, it's refreshing.
