Tony's Take: No one wants Bama, but they might need them
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Turns out, teams don’t actually want Alabama.
Sure, it might look great on a poster or sound nice chanted from the stands following a big win. However, the phrase “We want Bama” is akin to telling your buddy “Hold me back” during a bar fight. Teams don’t want Alabama any more than you want to go toe-to-toe against that muscle head with the neck tattoo.
That statement is especially true among SEC schools who are all too familiar with the Crimson Tide’s dominance, going a combined 13-74 against Alabama since Nick Saban came to Tuscaloosa in 2007. To no surprise, it’s the Tide’s two biggest rivals who could be angling for change.
* Tony's Take: In terms of scheduling, change wouldn't hurt Alabama
Auburn representatives have recently brought up realignment, preferring to be relocated to the SEC East. The move makes sense for several reasons, the biggest being geography. As the eastern-most program in the SEC West, a swap in divisions makes sense, especially considering the fact Missouri plays in the SEC East despite residing on the other side of the Mississippi River.
There are other reasons why the switch appeals to Auburn, but not having to compete for a division title with Alabama would be pretty high on the list. The Tide is 7-3 against Auburn under Saban and has won the past three meetings against the Tigers. While there would certainly be an Iron Bowl regardless of realignment, Auburn would have a much better chance beating out SEC East opponents for a trip to Atlanta rather than trying to keep up with the Tide.
Then there’s Tennessee. If Auburn were to switch to the SEC East it would become Alabama’s permanent rival, leaving the Third Saturday in October in jeopardy. Given Tennessee’s 0-10 record against Alabama under Saban, that might not be such a bad thing for the Volunteers.
The Knoxville News Sentinel seems to think that’s the case.
Columnist John Adams pointed out last week that as a SEC East team Tennessee is under no obligation to play Alabama each year. That statement holds true whether Auburn relocates or not. Adams also makes the argument that after being outscored 351-119 over the past 10 years, the Volunteers should see their way out of the rivalry.
But is that the best option?
Alabama’s dominance is built on recruiting, something the Tide can lean on given its in-state talent and historical tradition. Tennessee doesn’t have the same luxury. The Volunteers’ most recent period of dominance came under Phillip Fulmer, who coached Tennessee to four straight seasons of 10 or more wins from 1995-98. Since Fulmer was fired in 2008, the Volunteers have yet to reach 10 wins again.
The difference between the two programs is that when Alabama has down periods, it’s easier for the Tide to regroup. Due to Tennessee’s lack of in-state talent, it takes an elite coach to recruit nationally. That’s another thing the Tide has that the Volunteers don’t.
The average high school senior was born in either 1999 or 2000. That means recruits were no older than 7 the last time the Volunteers had a 10-win season. With it getting harder to sell kids on coming to Knoxville, it doesn't make sense for Tennessee to distance itself from anything that sets it apart as a program.
Let’s say the Volunteers wave the white flag and opt out of one of their most historic rivalries. What separates Tennessee from any other SEC East school? Would it be any different than a less traditional team like Missouri? In the five years Missouri has been in the SEC, it has a 37-27 record with two SEC East titles. Tennessee is 35-28 and hasn’t reached Atlanta over that span.
For much of the same reasons, a change wouldn’t serve Auburn well either. Regardless of the motives for switching divisions, it’s a move that makes the Tigers look weak. It also concedes the state to Alabama, cementing the Tide as the more elite program in the more elite division. With Alabama already controlling the state in recruiting, the idea sends the wrong message to recruits.
It’s also worth noting that unlike Tennessee, Auburn won't simply stop playing Alabama. There are also complications of what a switch would do to the Iron Bowl in terms of scheduling. Would the game be moved earlier in the season? If not, the two teams would risk playing two straight games against each other if they both won their respective divisions.
The best solution for both Auburn and Tennessee is simple — start beating Alabama. While recent history has proved that to be much easier said than done, running away isn’t the answer. The two schools might not want Alabama anymore, but in several ways they still need them.
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