Saban owns Miles...again!

When LSU head coach Les Miles made the announcement at the 2007 Bayou Bash, "we now have a rivalry, f***ing Alabama", the crowd at the event went crazy.  Apparently then newly hired Alabama head coach Nick Saban, the target of Miles' angered testimony, went a little crazy as well.  Seems he took Les up on that challenge and has set to beat Miles at every turn since.  Except for 2007 in Tuscaloosa, this has been no rivalry.  Saban has owned Miles.  I mean OWN! Hands down, papers in hand, has the deed to prove it own! Although the games played between the two teams have been
competitive, Saban has taken 2 out of 3. 
But the real beat down has been in recruiting.
It started the same year of Miles' declaration.
In 2007 DE Luther Davis went on national TV at the US Army all-star game and donned an LSU cap as he commited to the Tigers in front of the whole world.  Weeks later he went on a weekend visit with Saban. He is now the starting DE for Alabama.
In 2008, Kenny Bell, a highly touted WR from Rayville,LA, committed as a junior to LSU for the 09 class.  Just before signing day, Bell visited Saban for a last minute recuiting trip just to check it out.  He is now a redshirt freshman battling for a spot on the 2-deep depth chart for...Alabama.
Same class, Darrington Sentimore from Narco, LA, a DE from Destrehan High School narrowed his choice for college ball between LSU and Saban U...winner?..'Bama.
The same can also be said of Dutchtown RB Eddie Lacey from Geismar,LA.  He is the now #3 RB on the depth chart behind Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingam and sophomore phenom Trent Richardson( more on Richardson later).  Normally #3 is not the ideal place to be, but considering how much Saban relys on the running game, Lacy figures to see quality playing time this season.
Miles does no better with national recruits either. There have been national prospects on LSU and Saban U's collision course as well. Saban has landed every, not some, every one.  Trent Richardson was considered an LSU lean throughout the 2008-09 recruiting season, after a weekend visit, Saban swayed the gifted RB to wear the crimson and white.  Dre Kirkpatrick had LSU as a finalist for his services, he's currently the #1 CB for the Tide. Why?..Saban.
The latest chapter in this want-to-be rivalry is the announcment today of Tampa,FL 4 star QB Phillip Ely.  He will play his college ball at Saban U.  Up until the announcement LSU was considered the odds on leader for the elite 11 QB.  They were in on him early.  Were the first major college program to offer.  They kept in constant contact with the QB who has lost zero starts in his high school career.  They were one of only three schools thought to even be considered by Ely.  Clemson and Ole Miss being the other two.  Two nice programs but not on LSU's caliber.  Maybe.
"About 4 weeks ago, Saban and I talked and he laid it all on the table for me with an offer," said Ely(pronounced e-lee).  "Once I got that offer, I pretty much knew where I wanted to go. This really is a dream to play for a school the caliber of Alabama."
I stand corrected.  LSU is the same caliber as Ole Miss and Clemson now that Miles has full rein of the program.  A nice place to consider until the real programs come calling.
In fairness, Miles has landed some impressive recruits.  He has been top 10 in all but 1 recruiting class since becoming LSU's coach.  But I combed the LSU depth chart and for the life of me I can't find one player Saban U really coveted.  Nor can I find any player from Alabama that Saban sought.
As for the rivalry?  F***ing Alabama has dominated.  Actually dominate is not a strong enough word.  What word would be more powerful than dominate?...
Owned sounds about right.