To be delusional is to be characterized by or holding false beliefs or judgments about reality that are held despite incontrovertible evidence to the contrary.
And, according to Richard Foster of The Quick Report, there is no college football fanbase more delusional than the Auburn Tigers.
With spring practice gearing up, Foster figured it was a good time to list the 20 most delusional fanbases in the country.
“Auburn fans live in their own reality where they’re constantly ‘this close’ to toppling Alabama and taking over the SEC,” he writes. “They’re obsessed with their coaching carousel, convinced every hire will be ‘the one.’
“And let’s not forget the yearly tradition of believing they’ll beat Bama, no matter how bad they are.”
OK, Alabama fans, before you start laughing and re-loading for another year of smack talk, your fanbase comes in at No. 6.
“Yes, they have the championships to back it up, but Bama fans are convinced they’re entitled to win the national title ‘every single year,” Foster writes. “The moment they lose a game, the sky is falling, and every sports radio caller in the state loses their mind.”
As a host of one of those daily sports radio shows, I can say Foster tends to paint these schools with a very general and stereotypical brush. That’s not to say they aren’t delusional. If the writer believes that to be the case, he’s entitled to his opinion. He just doesn’t seem to give really good valid reasons for it.
Sure, Tigers fans get excited about each new hire and like their chances against their biggest rival. And, yes, Crimson Tide enthusiasts expect to win every game. In those ways, they aren’t that much different than many teams in the country.
Maybe surprising to Foster, fans – in my experience – after a loss become analytical about their team’s performance. In short, many in this state know the game. Sure, there’s always going to be the un-silent minority. The loudest ones will always get the headlines.
Passionate?
Yes.
Delusional?
Feel free to discuss.
A couple of things to note about the list:
- Six of the top 10 schools (10 of the 20) listed are in the SEC.
- No criteria or formula for how this conclusion was made was ever mentioned.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
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