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Fair or not, AU's better, but Bama's bigger 08/04/03 Tommy Tuberville didn't need a state trooper escort. Professional photographers didn't turn into paparazzi in pursuit of a Tuberville snapshot. There were plenty of good seats available to listen to Tuberville speak. The fundamental difference between the Auburn football program and the Alabama football program was on display again last week at the Wynfrey Hotel during SEC Kickoff 2003. Tuberville is the Auburn coach. Auburn is the team to beat in the league. Mike Shula, the Alabama coach, was the center of attention. What's new is news, and Shula as a head coach is almost as new as Tuberville as a surgical patient. Shula's been a boss for three months, and he'll remain a question mark for some time to come. Tuberville's old news, even in his new role as heavy favorite. Among current SEC head coaches, only Jackie Sherrill and Phillip Fulmer have started more seasons with an appearance at Media Days. There's another reason why Shula got more people talking even though Tuberville was the more relaxed and polished speaker. Alabama football is bigger than Auburn football. Even when Auburn football is better. Even when Alabama's in turmoil or transition and Auburn's triumphant. It's history, and it won't change easily. You would never hear an Alabama coach say, as Tuberville did when he addressed the great expectations facing his program, "I'm excited about people even recognizing we do have a team down at Auburn." You've never heard a veteran Alabama coach say, as Tuberville did kicking off his fifth year at Auburn and his ninth year in the SEC, "This is the first time I've stood up here and people have predicted us to do much." This year's an exception, but people usually predict Alabama will do something because Alabama did so much in the past. People didn't start predicting Auburn would do something special this season until Auburn did something special to finish last year. It's impossible not to think of the balance of football power in this state as a see-saw. Alabama's down, and no one will be surprised if the program has yet to hit low Tide on the field. Auburn's up, and no one should be shocked if the Tigers spend the entire season in the higher elevations of poll mountain. How much will Alabama's decline contribute to Auburn's ascent? Listen to Tuberville, who's upgraded Auburn's talent drastically. "No matter whether it's Alabama or anybody," he said, "when you change coaching staffs, it sets you back two years in recruiting because you don't have relationships with players and coaches." Alabama's last SEC title in 1999 came the first season after the last time Auburn changed coaches. Auburn's last three SEC championships in 1987, 1988 and 1989 came after Alabama introduced a new coach. Coincidence? No. "It doesn't hurt my feelings if your rival changes coaches," Tuberville said. Nor should it bother Auburn fans that the spotlight still shines on Tuscaloosa more than the Loveliest Village. Auburn can be better than Alabama, and right now it is. But it'll take more than one dream season to be bigger than its biggest rival. ______________________________________________________ RollTideFan - The University of Alabama Athletics Discussion List "Welcome to RollTideFan! Wear a cup!" To join or leave the list or to make changes to your subscription visit http://listinfo.rolltidefan.net
