Last week while Auburn was waiting to hear if quarterback Nick Marshall would be well enough to play against Florida Atlantic, Alabama was busy knuckling under to pressure.
Alabama Coach Nick Saban criticized the students for leaving early during the Arkansas game, a 52-0 Alabama victory, as did many of the big boosters who were not subject to the same criticism. Alabama quickly declared no more block seating for the students at games.
Blocks of seats are traditionally reserved for fraternities, sororities, clubs and organizations.
When the Tide went ahead 42-0 with 8:18 to play in the third quarter, a large number of students began to leave.
It was difficult to tell for sure through the binoculars, but they did appear to be a thirsty group.
Maybe some wanted to enjoy more of the short college life they will live before going off into the real world.
Those students were just a small part of the mass departure.
Whatever their reasons, it was their decision as to whether they wanted to sit through more than 22 minutes of uninteresting football, not the head football coach’s.
It was stated in this column not long ago that perhaps Saban would not be interested in the Texas job, if it comes open, because he would not have the power he does at Alabama.
Apparently he is such a strong personality that the students are now afraid to go to the restroom during the second half. He is the best football coach in the country, but shouldn’t he be more worried about getting someone ready to replace AJ McCarron?
On CBS’ Saturday telecast of Alabama’s 45-10 blowout of Tennessee, it showed the students still in place, which, according to tradition, they should do against such a long-time rival.
Meanwhile, down on the plains, Gus Malzahn made another push to be the SEC coach of the year with an easy victory over Florida Atlantic, 45-10. Marshall played a little, but not much.
Monday, it was declared he will most likely play against the Razorbacks.
Marshall, who started his career at Georgia as a cornerback before running afoul of the rules and transferring to junior college where he played quarterback, will pose a huge threat for the Hogs because he can run and pass.
He has completed 83 of 144 passes for 1,148 yards, 6 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. He also has rushed81 times for 461 yards and 5 touchdowns and has 1 reception for 37 yards. He is averaging 229.9 yards per game in total offense.
Auburn (7-1) is way under the radar. Maybe it is because Malzahn is in his first season, or maybe it’s because the Tigers didn’t win a conference game last season, but most don’t seem to realize they still have a legitimate shot at winning the SEC West.
Auburn has to travel to Arkansas this week and to Tennessee the next before getting Georgia at home. The Tigers then have a week off before hosting Alabama. Obviously, if they win out they will go to the SEC Championship Game.
Maybe Malzahn can face Missouri’s Gary Pinkel and to the winner goes the spoils of being SEC coach of the year.
Whatever happens, don’t expect any of the 13 other coaches in the SEC to complain about the students, or anyone else, leaving early.
They have too much else to worry about.
Besides, most schools, including Texas and all the schools in the SEC but Alabama, don’t try to tell the students how long they have to stay at a game that was over everywhere but on the scoreboard.
Sports, Pages 17 on 10/29/2013