Jumbo Package: Georgia fans still defensive about “Big Lots Bama” moniker

We have comedy gold to open with this morning. Check out this amusing take from Georgia writer Brandon Adams, who feebly tries to flip the script on Kirby’s stealing of basically everything Alabama does.

One of the most ludicrous SEC storylines in recent years has been the notion that former Alabama assistant Kirby Smart has been copying the Crimson Tide since becoming Georgia head coach in 2016.

The supposed examples of Smart trying to be like Alabama include Sanford Stadium’s LED lights, care packages sent to Bulldogs alumni in the NFL and the decision to hire longtime Alabama strength and conditioning coach Scott Cochran this offseason.

Frankly, these suggestions are silly. And UGA fans could be forgiven for laughing at the notion.

You can also forgive the rest of the country for perpetually laughing at Georgia fans, Brandon, and the idea that Nick is scheduling better opponents because of Kirby is laughable. The neutral site games have been incredibly difficult to schedule in recent years. It seems that nobody wants to open with Bama in such an environment anymore, thus the move to home and home series that will be more enjoyable to fans.

Besides the items listed, Kirby took Alabama’s recruiting board with him to use against Alabama when he left, took Glenn Schumann and Mel Tucker to run Saban’s defense, implemented the Fourth Quarter program, started a public spat over Maurice Smith, and has done his level best to recreate Alabama’s fan experience in Athens. He also stole Jake Fromm and then Carson Beck, and for both we are thankful. After all, had Fromm come to Tuscaloosa this never would have happened.

I hope you all will join me in wishing Brandon and the rest of the Georgia fans a happy 40th anniversary season.

Saban appeared to enjoy his Father’s Day with family.

Something tells me that young fellow will be introduced to Alabama’s nutrition and sports science facility at a young age.

Speaking of sports science, Dr. Matt Rhea has an active Twitter account and he routinely shows why he is a leader in his field.

That is so true, and indicative of why Saban was drawn to Rhea and Ballou. Nobody in the business constantly analyzes his process and adapts as well as Nick.

As Hank South notes, Alabama’s recruiting class is much higher on quality than quantity.

Nick Saban and company are sitting at No. 24 in the 247Sports Composite Team Recruiting Rankings. It’s unfamiliar territory for most UA fans, but with potential commitments from major Tide targets planned in the coming weeks, Bama will have the chance to climb the standings throughout the summer.

For now, the Tide actually sits with one of the top per commit player ratings in the nation at .9435, meaning UA has some quality commits despite not the quantity at this point.

Lots of top end talent in this class, and by all accounts more is coming.

The NCAA followed the SEC’s lead in banning Mississippi from championship events until the flag is changed.

“Competing in an NCAA championship is a special experience for college athletes who compete at the highest level and we are grateful for the college athlete voice leading to this decision,” Mark Emmert, NCAA president, said in a statement. “We must do all we can to ensure that NCAA actions reflect our commitment to inclusion and support all our student-athletes. There can be no place within college sports where any student-athlete is demeaned or unwelcome.”

The SEC news didn’t necessarily have much teeth as few conference championship events are held in Mississippi to begin with. This news means that Ole Miss and Mississippi State would be barred from hosting NCAA regional events. Both teams have strong programs on the diamond.

Kristian Story took home one more award from high school.

Story isn’t leaving his prep career behind without one final award. He has been named AL.com’s Statewide Male Athlete of the Year for the 2019-2020 athletic season.

“That means a lot,” he said recently. “It was a fun year. It will never be lost on me how special it was to get to do what you truly love with and in front of people who truly love you. You don’t get to do that all the time.”

Hard not to be excited about this kid’s prospects.

Last, Al.com has some NFL notes:

• The Vikings see big upside in Irv Smith, Jr.
• Damien Harris is working on his development in New England.
• The Eagles are already impressed by the work ethic of Jalen Hurts.

That’s about it for today. Have a great week.

Roll Tide.