As for Alabama, college football power shifts (albeit less frequently than the pros). The SEC has been dominant for the past decade; that will change.
The only thing that leaves all of us non-SEC fans scratching our heads is the weird SEC loyalty, where fans of SEC teams will actually cheer for other teams in the conference in addition to their favorite team. This is strange to every other sports fan on Earth. I still can't understand why you would cheer for a conference.
Obviously on the field NFL is superior but college has the rabid fans, the bands, cheerleaders (not dancers wearing basically nothing), and the traditions. I would rather watch two college heavy weights go at it than a NFL game.
I teach at Auburn University.
I am a ‘Bama fan, but do not hate Auburn like most ‘Bama fans do. I mean, at least it’s “War Eagle” every payday, right!?
When they are not playing ‘Bama and they’re winning won’t upset Alabama’s quest for the Crystal Football, I do cheer for Auburn. But I believe the conference is great and we like having formidable opponents we have to play.
When they're not playing us, I try to root for Auburn, because they're from the same state. Their fans make it very tough to do so.
Ditto, Tennessee and LSU, just because I like their historical or current style. Also, those LSU chappies can cook,
But the whole conference? The only reason is that if a team we beat beats some outsider, it makes us look good.
This is a manufactured fandom.