Tide and True

In the world of sports, players and fans come to expect certain things.

In every aspect of every game, we set high expectations. From high school, to college, and in professional sports when a team gives us victory, it becomes hard to accept the agony of defeat.

Once we have chanted, "We are number one," we never want to be called "losers" again. We are spoiled contenders, as well as fans. The bar is raised higher and higher each year as we achieve our goal. One team known for its winning tradition is the Alabama Crimson Tide. However, this season the Tide is experiencing one of their worst seasons ever.

The Tide football team, and their fans are traveling uncharted territory. Their record thus far is 3-5. Alabama is home to one of college football's winning coaches, Paul "Bear" Bryant. During his tenure at Bama, Bryant prided himself in being nothing but a winner, bringing home twelve national championships to the land of crimson and white. Bryant legacy has left tough shoes to fill. Many coaches have failed, while others partially succeeded in continuing the winning tradition.

The school has a reputation of revolving coaches since Bryant. Alabama is a tough place to coach, with high expectations. Let's hope Alabama does not act in haste, they need to give their newly inducted Coach Franchione a chance. Some diehard fans are already calling for his resignations, while others are willing to be patient and give him a chance.

There will be no "miracle turnaround season" like the one in 1958. Alabama can only savage its season at this point by beating their rival Auburn University. If they win, they can take comfort in saying, "we may have lost the fight, but we have the bragging rights."

After this season while other teams are reflecting on the wrongs and rights, Alabama will have to deal with past baggage. The Tide, in less than two weeks will meet with the NCAA Committee on Infractions to discuss recruiting improprieties. The bottom line for the Tide is that they "will" face NCAA sanctions. They will accept their punishment, hibernate, and return with a vengeance.

As the legendary Coach Bryant once said, "With winning comes a high price," which means the high price Alabama must pay is to accept defeat for now. But, while the Tide waits its turn, the capstone will continue to echo the sentiments, "Ro--ll Tide."