I'm not a big Nick Saban fan (more into Dabo Swinney or Satterfield), but I do love what he said during last night's news conference:

"I can honestly say I was a little disappointed there weren't more students at the last game," Saban told reporters in Tuscaloosa. "I think we're trying to address that. I don't think they're entitled to anything, either. Me, personally, I think it ought to be first-come, first-serve. If they don't want to come to the game, they don't have to come. But I'm sure there's enough people around here that would like to go to the games, and we'd like for them to come too because they support the players."

"In 2013, Saban said that if his players are asked to compete for 60 minutes then 'you should stay there and support the team for the game.' He said that recruits are there and 'we like to see a full stadium."

"So, I'm hopeful. We've always had great people travel on the road for us and had great spirit on the road. We have great fans. So, I appreciate that. But to see half the student section not full, I've never seen that since I've been here before."

I'm relieved to see a coach finally address this, even it it's 'Bama. It's great to know our attendance has been 20K+ so far, but it really ticks me off to watch students AND fans leave after halftime just because we're blowing our opponents and/or they want to "get to the Daniel Boone Inn early". If you're going to leave early because "we're winning" then why are you coming at all?? Like I said, our attendance has been satisfying but I still hate to watch fans leave early b/c we're dominating the opponent.

This is tough for me. One thing is certain, our students pack it our at kickoff. I rather them leave early because we are winning than never show up in the first place. I hate that anyone leaves a game early, but in our last two games at home, you cant blame them if they cant get cold drinks and its a 42-7 or 52-7 game at halftime.

Don't get me wrong, I hate it when I see them leaving.

If memory serves me correctly, the hill was jam-packed at kick-off and then sparse after the half. I know we've debated this endlessly, but I still think they'd stick around longer if they actually had seats.

It was an 11 a.m. game against UL. To be such a powerhouse their OOC schedule is pretty lame. Do they ever leave the neighborhood for OOC games?

Bama schedules the easiest opponents possible and they're always scheduled for 11 a.m. in September.

Here's their OOC for a current freshman at Bama.

2019

08/31 - vs Duke (in Atlanta, GA)
09/07 - New Mexico State
09/21 - Southern Miss
11/23 - Western Carolina

2020

09/05 - vs USC (in Arlington, TX)
09/12 - Georgia State
09/26 - Kent State
11/14 - UT Martin

2021

09/04 - vs Miami (FL) (in Atlanta, GA)
09/25 - Southern Miss
11/13 - New Mexico State
TBA - Mercer

They do have a H/H with Texas 2022/23 and Notre Dame in 2028-29 (lol), but that's it as far as challenging themselves. The neutral-site games don't count since they're money grabs.

Rick83 wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 04, 2018 10:24 am

If memory serves me correctly, the hill was jam-packed at kick-off and then sparse after the half. I know we've debated this endlessly, but I still think they'd stick around longer if they actually had seats.

I have a friend who was on the hill for a little bit on Saturday. Saw a lot of this going on in the first half:

Just looking at his haircut tells me he doesn't always make good decisions.

Dabo Sweeney called out the students at Clemson last year for leaving early. It happens everywhere.

Saban's is a sourpuss. Always whining about something. Different day and age - students don't stay anywhere unless it is close. At least we are usually full early.

Saban is paid to coach football. He should probably stick to doing that.