During the days and weeks leading up to the recent so-called "Game of the Century" between LSU and Alabama, many pundits, especially former college players were asked questions like, "Who's the better college football coach: Les Miles of LSU or Nick Saban of 'Bama?" [Pictured, left.]
This question is akin to asking "Wilma or Betty?" Or "Ginger or Mary Ann?" Or "Laverne or Shirley?" There is no right answer, and I do realize the question is hyperbolic and designed to bring a simmering pot to a boil (Read: Higher TV ratings and more clicks on sites like cbssports and espn.com).
What surprised me is it seemed almost unilateral that those "in the know" picked Saban—a turd of a man who despises the press and the media, who, by the way, represent me. Winning, as they say, is the deodorant that covers all of the stink.
One on-air ESPN former SEC college football yo-yo was asked who he would rather play for: Miles or Saban. He quickly chose Saban using the rationale that he'd probably have more fun playing for Miles, dubbed the "Mad Hatter," but he would become a better player under the driven perfectionist, Saban.That seemed to be the thesis: Saban—a driven, acerbic, pathological winner who pushes his players to be their individual and collective best (something he couldn't manage to do in the NFL among the best players in the world, by the way); Miles—a charming, certifiable whack-o who wins by sheer luck, and who makes sure his players have fun.
At least Saban exhibits professionalism, though.
Watching LSU take out the Crimson Tide in the Game of the Century was fun, but watching them crush creepy, self-important hypocrite Bobby Petrino and his Arkansas Razorbacks was even more fun! [The weasel, Petrino, is seen in red above, right, classlessly snubbing Miles during the post-game handshake.]
The Tiger spotted Arkansas a quick 14-0 lead, then mashed the team in red 41-3 the rest of the way, leaving a fuming Petrino sputtering about a late field-goal that he felt was running up the score.
LSU had all the appearances of a national champion squad, and one that would probably beat up on the Indianapolis Colts and the St. Louis Rams if the Boys from Baton Rouge had a better quarterback.Boy, is that whacky Les Miles lucky!
Isn't it actually about time for Miles to get his due? He spoke after the win about his team's "character," and that's something that should be placed a bit above the simple honing of talent and creation of defensive game plans.
Teams coached by Miles tend to be special, not merely talented, full of players with great depth of both character and passion.
Imagine how dominant his teams would be if he were actually a great coach like Saban! Sheesh...
Isn't it about time to give this guy his due?
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