Cry me a river.
Those same incentives apply to Clemson, Ohio State, Georgia, Oklahoma, ... and yet somehow those top programs schedule tough opponents.
Saban does not deny: The opponents are weak.
Maybe money is a factor here? Just guessing.
If you were a normal Bama opponent, then playing and losing to them isn’t one of your thrills. My guess is that some things have occurred where several of the coaches have re-evaluated their future, and want less games with Bama. I would admit that New Mexico State is a potential 45-7 type game.
The the whole SEC avoids any confrontations Georgia for instance is playing Arkansas State and Murray State.
“Those same incentives apply to Clemson, Ohio State, Georgia, Oklahoma, ... and yet somehow those top programs schedule tough opponents.”
Funny how they can’t seem to schedule Bama.
RTR
“Saban does not deny: The opponents are weak.”
Alabama picking Western Carolina?
If Alabama played all top 30 contenders in all their games, playing even some of these “weaker” top teams every week would wear down Alabama. Injuries are more likely to happen too because the size of the team played against. And these games most likely wouldn’t be a runaway, like much smaller, Western Carolina should be.
Alabama’s schedule reminds me of the 1982 SMU team - only undefeated team 11 - 0 - 1, and yet Penn State was national champion. SMU fans complained but their schedule had more weak teams. I don’t care one way or the other, but Saban looks like he is crying, playing it safe. And when he gets to the big game, he’ll play a team that has played among the better teams ... he’ll be surprised, and he very well may lose.