Payton Harris

Staff Writer

    November 5, 2011. Many called it “The Game Of The Century.” The number one team in the nation, LSU, traveled to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to battle the number two team in the nation, Alabama. That game ended with LSU on top with a score of 9 - 6. An old fashioned “slug fest” between two of the greatest defenses to play in the NCAA of all time. Many people were not impressed because not one touchdown was scored in an era dominated by high-scoring offenses. However, after a few more weeks of football, it was time to announce the BCS National Championship contenders. Who would have thought it would come down to a rematch? LSU vs. Alabama: Round Two.

    After a much anticipated wait of forty days the time finally arrived for the two teams to play on the biggest stage that NCAA football has to offer. Alabama traveled into a very hostile Louisiana Superdome, for what was pretty much a home game, for the LSU Tigers of Louisiana. The only thing they had to do was repeat what they had done almost 65 days prior and beat Alabama again. Both teams rushed onto the field. It seemed as if The Tide had a bit more of an edge.  On the Alabama sidelines, the players were jumping around and yelling. The LSU sideline, on the other hand, didn’t seem as fired up. After a first half of mistakes by LSU, Alabama was ahead 9 - 0 and they didn’t stop in the 2nd quarter. Allowing only five first downs and ninety-two total yards of offense, the Crimson Tide went into the final minutes of the game with 15 - 0 lead. After a quick three and out possession, LSU was forced to punt for the 8th time. Alabama Running Back Trent Richardson then sealed the win with a 36 yard touchdown run. After a hopeless possession by the LSU Tigers, the Alabama Crimson Tide was announced as the 2012 BCS National Champions.

    Alabama players celebrated and fans filled Bourbon Street as head coach, Nick Saban, accepted the Coach’s Trophy. Alabama players Trent Richardson and Courtney Upshaw were honored as the offensive and defensive player of the game, respectively. "We knew a lot of people said we didn't belong here, and that LSU was going to run the ball down our throats. As a defense, we were able to execute. I'm happy and proud to be a part of Alabama," said Upshaw, after passing his award to his defensive teammates.

    What a season college football has brought us. Pigskin fans are sad to see it come to an end, but what a great way to watch it go.