Ill will arises with Saban back in Bayou

Having staked out their familiar spot in the parking lot sandwiched between Tiger Stadium and the Mississippi River, a group of LSU fans was asked what sort of reception Nick Saban can expect today from the purple-and-gold faithful in Baton Rouge, La.

That's an easy one.

"I think we're going to boo him out of the stadium," Jim Huggins said yesterday afternoon, already partying with food, drink, and friends even though the game was still 24 hours away. "They probably should bring him there in the popemobile," the pontiff's bulletproof vehicle.

Saban is now in charge of the crimson and white - Alabama's colors - and the folks in these parts are still miffed that after trading LSU for the NFL, he returned to the Southeastern Conference just two years later at a rival school that made him the highest-paid coach in college football.

They're big on loyalty in Cajun Country, which is why few have forgiven Saban for his alleged treachery - especially since he's guided the Crimson Tide to their first No. 1 ranking during the regular season since 1980.

Alabama (9-0, 5-0) can clinch the Western Division with a win over Saban's former employer and stay on track to play for its first national title in 16 years.

Saban's successor, Les Miles, knows this is a must-win game for the Tigers (6-2, 3-2) when it comes to preserving their hopes of repeating as SEC champions.

"It really is, very honestly, about our football team," Miles said. "It has nothing to do with who coaches there or who coaches here, at least it doesn't by me."