The Road to 14

In case you didn't know it, (maybe you were watching The Bachelor) last night the Alabama Crimson Tide played the LSU Tigers in the BCSNCG. The Tide, who triumphed over the Tigers with a 21-0 score, is bringing the crystal trophy back to the great state of Alabama for the 3rd year in a row (2010 Auburn had the honors).

Despite being the "under dog" (when I say that, I mean the lower ranked team) we were favored to win going into the game. It did come as a shock to me when we stayed on top the entirety of the game. I thought they would atleast give us a run for their money.

 It came down to who wanted it more. The Tide did. We don't take losing easy. The three point difference from the Tide and Tigers first meeting this season left a bitter taste in the players mouths. I think they went out there looking for revenge. You know the saying, victory is sweet but revenge is sweeter? Well I have 3 words for you: 5th of November.

I'm not sure how to describe being a Crimson Tide fan. Every team has comraderie and  traditions but there is an extra sparkle in Bama's eye. Being an Alabama fan... well, It's amazing and I wouldn't trade it for any other fan base in the world.


Speaking of fans... it occured to me in 2009 how much one very special person in my life and one of the biggest Tide fans, would have love to have seen the Saban days (although he saw and attended  nearly every game during the Bear Bryant era). I just know my Poppa is grinning ear to ear today.


He had a much better view of the game though. No, he did not watch the game on his HD flat screen or have 50 yard line tickets (but at Bryant Denny he did!) he watched down from Heaven. He might have even watched with Bear Bryant and shook his hand after the game. But he wasn't much of a showboat. He probably watched it with a few close pals and afterward had himself some pickle juice (a cocktail of sorts).

The past 24 hours have been filled with a lot of pride and even emotion. I have a few things to say...

To all the haters, Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my team the center of your conversation. It's people like you who make my team want to win even more than they are already naturally inclined to.



To all the Auburn fans who actually showed some class, pride and dignity... thank you, too! It's fans like you who make me proud to be a fan of an SEC team. Afterall we are the greatest conference.


To my fellow Alabama fans, words can't say it. I love you. Yes, each and every one of you. For believing in our team, being a fan during the good times and the bad (dare I mention the Franchione-Shula years) and for cheering our team on to victory at every. single. game.
Last but not least.... My main man