The final USA Today LBM Coaches Poll ballot has been released, offering one last glimpse into how college football’s top minds evaluated the year. Among the many votes, one stood out in particular – that of Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman. His vote sent a subtle hint of something that has long been a topic of discussion in the world of college football – the favoritism towards certain programs.
Freeman’s vote was a clear snub towards Alabama’s head coach, Kalen DeBoer. Despite leading the Crimson Tide to yet another successful season, DeBoer did not receive the benefit of the doubt that has often been extended to Alabama in the past. Instead, Freeman chose to glorify his own program, Notre Dame, by placing them above Alabama in his final ballot.
This move by Freeman has sparked a debate among fans and experts alike. While some see it as a bold and confident move by the new Notre Dame head coach, others view it as a disrespectful snub towards DeBoer and the Alabama program. But regardless of one’s opinion, there is no denying that Freeman’s vote has shed light on a bigger issue in college football – the unequal treatment of programs.
For years, Alabama has been considered one of the top programs in college football, and rightfully so. Under the leadership of Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide have dominated the sport, winning multiple national championships and producing countless NFL stars. However, this success has also led to a sense of entitlement and favoritism towards Alabama, with many believing that they are always given the benefit of the doubt, even in situations where it may not be deserved.
On the other hand, Notre Dame has often been viewed as an underdog, despite being one of the most historic and successful programs in college football. The Fighting Irish have a rich tradition and a passionate fan base, but they have not been able to reach the same level of success as Alabama in recent years. This has led to a sense of resentment towards the Crimson Tide and their perceived preferential treatment.
Freeman’s vote has brought this issue to the forefront, and it is a reminder that every program should be evaluated based on their performance on the field, not their reputation or past success. While Alabama may have a strong track record, it should not automatically guarantee them a higher ranking or more recognition than other deserving programs.
It is also worth noting that Freeman’s vote was not just a snub towards Alabama, but also a show of confidence in his own program. As the new head coach of Notre Dame, Freeman is determined to establish the Fighting Irish as a top program in college football. And what better way to do that than by showing that he believes in his team and their abilities, even if it means going against the norm and snubbing a powerhouse like Alabama.
In the end, it is important to remember that college football is a sport, and it should be treated as such. Every team works hard and deserves to be evaluated fairly based on their performance. Freeman’s vote may have caused some controversy, but it has also brought attention to a much-needed conversation about the unequal treatment of programs in college football.
As we look towards the future, let us hope that this incident serves as a wake-up call for the college football community. Let us strive for a fair and equal playing field, where every team is given the same opportunities and recognition based on their performance. And let us not forget that at the end of the day, it is the love for the game that brings us all together, regardless of which team we support.
