Readers smelled something fishy about the order University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban and Auburn University head football coach Gene Chizik were scheduled to speak last night in Montgomery at the Alabama Football Coaches Association’s annual meeting.
Saban was scheduled for speak at 6 p.m., followed by Chizik at 8:30 p.m.
Simple enough, right? Some commenters read it differently, suggesting all sorts of theories as to why the order was what it was. Whether the event was saving the best for last, or the opening act would blow the main event off the stage (or whether the order was set months ago), fans from both sides feel it could represent a power shift among the in-state rivals less than a month after the Auburn Tigers’ BCS national title victory.
Neutral parties are just plain proud of the state altogether and hope for harmony in the SEC. If only it were that simple.
Read what you had to say about it:
“Looks like Saban is Chizik’s opening act…” – swha
“Must suck to be blown off the stage by your opening act.” – .
“Bama’s got a great opening act (see the 2010 Iron Bowl), but the AFCA knows you need someone who knows how to finish for the grand finale.” – warrrregal
“Nick Saban obviously chose the 6 p.m. spot and they gave Chizik what was left. If Chizik makes any short jokes Saban can simply reply, “How much did you make last year?” Saban is college football’s only $6 million dollar coach.”
“Two classey guys in one great state. On top of that they are both Champions and will be again! Roll Tide and War Eagle.” – dreameon
“Savin’ the best for last! Good deal! War DAMN Eagle!” – epseatl
“Now the flamers want to make something out of who speaks first. Waiting on the obligatory “Chizik is taller than Saban” post. Both guys seem to laughing in the pic. The caption should read “Saban and Chizik discuss the obsessive nutjobs in their respective fan bases.” – tider55
“The two of them represent the State of Alabama’s dedication to athletics. The coaches and staff of Alabama (several hundred) should take great pride in their efforts to develop high quality athletes in the state. The state as a whole seems to be developing quality academics and athletics. WDE.” – obtiger
“Well, as usual: started out fun and just got ugly as the day progressed. I’m taking my ball and going home. na na na na na..” – dreameon
via Nick Saban, Gene Chizik public speaking order reflects rivarly power shift, commenters say | al.com.
