I'll come clean. I used to be obsessed with Alabama FB. As a teenager I actually cried with joy when Bama came from behind scoring 24 points in the last 16 mins to beat Ky one year. Not sobbing mind you, but it speaks to how emotionally involved one can be. I've punched holes in walls... yea I'm kind of crazy that way. It used to ruin several days of my life everytime Bama would lose as a youth. My first Bama FB related memory was the 1982 Liberty Bowl, Paul Bryant's last game as Coach. My parents made me watch because they said it was important, that I'd remember it later in life. (I do.)
What Notre Dame Football once was to Catholics, Alabama Football was to southerners. It was the first bonafiable Southern Football power. First southern team to play in the Rose Bowl, and won as a more than 2 touchdown underdog. That's pertinent because Bama has more "sidewalk alumni" than anyone and it's the reason why. That love of Alabama by non Alabamians continued through the 60's as the country cast a scornful eye toward the south. Southerners rallied behind a Bryant led Tide team that dominated or made believers of all comers. I live in Mississippi, but my family is Bama through and through. Doesn't hurt that my father's from AL, and my mom's side of the family lived there for a while.
I'd suggest that you don't feel too harshly toward those folks that didn't go to school at the school they cheer for. Not everyone can attend thier school of choice, either for economic issues, or maybe they made a career of the military, or other reasons. I for instance had a scholorship offer from Alabama, and visited hated rival Auburn when looking for my college of choice. Wound up going to another school because it was right for me.... doesn't make me any less of a fan.
Thankfully now with a wife and 2 children football has been put into perspective. Now when Bama loses it just ruines the game and maybe an hour afterwards. I follow recruiting but am no more impressed by Alabama's recruiting prowess this year than I am by the dime I found on the ground yesterday.... I'm not a pedophile, 17 year old boys don't get me very excited!
I'm like a Missouri mule that way, you gotta show me! I now see it for what it is. A sport played by boys and young men, coached by millionaires, and supported at the highest levels by the real millionaires! I get just as much fun out of attending high school games on Friday night as I do from watching college games on Sat. Bama's just special too me. Real special... so yes I'm one of those fans.... just not an obcessed retard! Yes my Saturdays every fall revolve around 1 my kids, 2 the time of the Bama game, 3 SEC FB, and 4 College FB. Yes I'm a fanatic... just not a lunatic!
Roll Tide
Phillip