Georgia Football is poised to secure Caleb Downs, as indicated by crystal ball predictions, or alternatively, Caleb Downs is predicted to choose Athens. Regardless of the perspective, Georgia stands out as the primary contender to recruit the former Alabama safety. Should Kirby Smart succeed in bringing in one of Alabama’s top players and a premier assistant coach, it would undoubtedly serve as a powerful statement to both Alabama and Kalen DeBoer.
This week marks one of the most challenging periods in Alabama football history, and personally, I find it quite satisfying. The announcement of Downs entering the transfer portal gives the impression that virtually every starter and notable 5-star recruit from Alabama is departing the program. As the program appears to be losing control, Alabama fans are grappling with a significant identity crisis.
Let’s explore how they handle players leaving and entering the transfer portal. It’s not akin to the situations of Trezman Marshall, Jermaine Burton, Jameson Williams, and others, who all left one program to join Alabama. It’s undoubtedly less enjoyable for Alabama fans when the tables are turned. However, what else would you expect from a fanbase that dismissed Georgia’s 2022 national championship as “fake” due to perceived lack of depth in the wide receiver position?
I’m not going to make a take about how the Alabama exodus is highlighting key problems in the sport with NIL and the portal. It is. I don’t need to make a take about it.
But I’m sorry, do you really think that this DOESN’T encourage the same thing to happen to your favorite…
— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) January 17, 2024
This is the same fanbase that asserts Georgia’s success is “Built by Bama,” attributing it to Kirby Smart’s past role as an assistant coach at Alabama eight years ago. One might wonder if they bothered to look up the word “modicum” or simply skipped over it.
Where are the parents?!? pic.twitter.com/qBQIOSsm10
— Message Board Geniuses (@BoardGeniuses) January 18, 2024
In response to the news of T-Rob leaving, Alabama fans displayed a clear lack of upset and were surprisingly positive about the coach making a move in the best interest of his life and family. Oh wait, that wasn’t the case! Alabama fans are evidently experiencing an identity crisis, struggling to comprehend why players and coaches are not flocking to Alabama solely because of its iconic crimson “A.” The reality is that Alabama is not bigger than Nick Saban; rather, Saban was bigger than Alabama. Great coaches and players flocked to Tuscaloosa because of him, just as it was the case in the days of Bear Bryant.
Contrastingly, Georgia has maintained stability over the years due to coaches synonymous with the program, a devoted fan base, and one of the greatest college towns in America. Georgia has not experienced the sharp declines that Alabama has faced when losing legendary coaches. To any upset Alabama fans reading this, Georgia stands strong. The Dawgs are poised to welcome Downs and possibly more Alabama players into the fold. Despite the kicks from various fanbases, including Alabama’s, Georgia now reigns as the new king of college football, and for many, that is their worst nightmare. Enjoy the show!