Eye of the Tiger

What. A. Game.

Some people may have wanted more points, more big plays or even a different outcome, but this was SEC defensive football at its best. No touchdowns, only two teams in the trenches battling to determine who really was #1.

Thankfully, there would be no change at the top of the ranking this week, and the LSU Tigers would remain atop the rankings and on track for the BCS Championship Game in New Orleans.

My sister and I ventured to Tuscaloosa for the game and had a blast! The weather was perfect, the campus was beautiful and the fans were accommodating before and after the game.

The Tigalaya Tailgating Spot

The worst part of the trip was actually waiting for the game to start. The anticipation had been building for weeks so as it got closer, the wait seemed to drag out and time seemed to come to a standstill.

Some of the folks from Tigalaya.com invited us to their tailgating party since we didn’t have actual tickets to the game. They turned out to be a very hospitable group and I can’t wait to tailgate with them in Baton Rouge or at another away game.

As for the game itself, like I mentioned it was a real battle. There’s not doubt in my mind LSU and Alabama deserve to be the top two teams in college football. And with Alabama only dropping to four after its loss, I think a rematch is a real possibility — and rightly so.

Bryant-Denny Stadium

I’m not sure what Alabama coach Nick Saban was thinking playing for field goals over field position throughout the game. Those three missed field goals in regulation were killer.

The other huge play was the LSU interception at the goal line. Alabama fans were complaining about the interception call, but it was clear to me it was an interception. One that saved the game, and maybe season, for the Tigers.

After the game, the fans in Tuscaloosa weren’t too despondent and several were even congratulatory. I’m not sure I would have had the stomach to be so kind if LSU had lost, but then again, I’m uber-competitive.

The flags at the tailgating spot

No matter how this season plays out, the overtime thriller in Tuscaloosa was a classic defensive game that came down to the wire. Last night my sister and I came up with eight reasons it was a great win for the Tigers. Unfortunately, after the alcohol wore off, my memory can only recall six:

1. It was 1 vs. 2.
2. It was on the road in Tuscaloosa.
3. It was another victory over Nick Saban.
4. It was a close game.
5. It went to OT.
6. It was decided on the last play of the game.

Now LSU just has to win it’s next three games and the SEC Championship to ensure it’s spot in the BCS Championship Game. Geaux Tigers!