College Football | Nick Saban isn’t No. 1 in hearts of Louisiana State fans
BATON ROUGE, La. — Having staked out a familiar spot in the parking lot sandwiched between Tiger Stadium and the Mississippi River, a group of Louisiana State fans was asked what sort of reception Nick Saban can expect today from the purple-and-gold faithful.
“I think we’re going to boo him out of the stadium,” Jim Huggins said Friday afternoon, already partying with food, drink and friends.
Saban coaches No. 1 Alabama (9-0 overall, 5-0 Southeastern Conference) and many fans in Cajun Country are miffed that after trading LSU for the NFL, he returned to the SEC a mere two years later at a rival school that made him the highest-paid coach in college football.
No. 15 LSU (6-2, 3-2) won the national championship last season under coach Les Miles.
Alabama can clinch the Western Division championship with a victory over Saban’s former employer and stay on track to play for its first national title in 16 years.
“They were getting ready to name roads after him here,” said Andy Winfree, tailgating along with Huggins in a lot filled with massive recreational vehicles. “Now, he’s our enemy.”
Down the road from Tiger Stadium, they were prepping for a “Burn Bama” bonfire after the sun went down. The group putting it on purchased a billboard along the main highway that showed an Alabama effigy going up in flames, accompanied by a sarcastic message.
“Welcome Back, Nick!”
Saban insists today’s matchup is about the players, not the coaches.
“You all have made this a rivalry,” he said, lecturing a group of skeptical reporters. “I like Les Miles. I have nothing against Les Miles.”
seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2008366264_grid08.html
November 8th, 2008 by Ragin Cajun /
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