College football fans need to enjoy moment, not look ahead

Published 11:47 am Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Football season always bring out silliness in its fans across the country.

As we enter week three of the college football season, several fans have gone overboard with madness over their team’s 2-0 starts.

The main precinct I heard from the most is LSU, which jumped from sixth to fourth in the Coaches and Associated Press’ polls this week. The Tigers hammered Georgia Southern and defeated ninth-ranked Texas on the road.

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Over the last week, I’ve heard chants from Tiger Nation, “We want Alabama,” referring to the second-ranked Crimson Tide and defending SEC champions.

I gave some of my LSU friends a brief seven-word statement: “See me the second week of November.” That’s when Alabama hosts the Tigers on Nov. 9 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. You will have my full attention that week.

Texas has a good team, but I believe the Longhorns are still living off last year’s 28-21 Sugar Bowl victory over an uninspired Georgia team.  The Bulldogs were still hung over from their bitter 35-28 victory over Alabama in the SEC Championship game.

I’ve seen this scenario play out with Alabama twice in the Sugar Bowl, both times under head coach Nick Saban.

The second-ranked Crimson Tide lost to No. 1 Florida 31-20 in the 2008 SEC Championship Game. Unbeaten Utah upset the Crimson Tide in the 2009 Sugar Bowl. I believe Utah’s victory earned the Utes membership in the Pac-12 conference.

After Auburn knocked off No. 1 Alabama 34-28 at the 2013 Iron Bowl, the Crimson Tide lost to Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl. Alabama lost its shot at a historic three-peat for the national championship and had nothing to play for.

Until further notice, the road to the SEC Championship runs through Alabama and the reigning East Division champions, Georgia.

By Halloween, I’ll have a better grasp of how the college football landscape will turn out. It’s way too early to think about conference championships and college football playoffs. A lot can happen between now and Nov. 9.

Planning for trips to playoff sites right now is a complete waste of time.

My advice to the fans: enjoy the games one at a time and not to think too far ahead.  Let the process take care of itself.