Living Up to the Hype!

Eric Reid after making his game saving play.

Well "The Game of the Century" has come and the football world has seen an all-time classic.  LSU defeated Alabama 9-6 in overtime Saturday Night in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  A 9-6 game does not seem like a thrilling contest but it had everything you need in a football game.  Two unbelievable programs, coaches and defenses led the way the whole night.  There was not even a touchdown scored in this game but there is no way anyone could watch it would say they were bored.

Let’s start with the defenses.  These teams absolutely proved they had the two best defenses in the country.  Alabama intercepted LSU quarterback Jarret Lee 2 times which is more than he had the entire season previously.  LSU also forced two interceptions and held Alabama to just 6 points.  They also held the best running back in the country, Trent Richardson to 83 yards rushing on 21 carries.  That is impressive.

The reason LSU won was because of special teams (as accurately predicted by me in my previous blog post) and the big plays on defense.  Alabama missed four field goals including one which was blocked and LSU punter Brad Wing booted a 73 yard punt which turned the field position in LSU's favor.  Trailing 6-3 late in the third quarter with Alabama having the momentum Morris Claiborne intercepted an AJ McCarron pass and returned it to the Alabama 20 which set up the game tying field goal.  This gave LSU a chance heading to the 4th quarter.

With Alabama on the LSU 25 and seemly about the score the game winning score and clinch the victory Eric Reid made the greatest defensive play I have ever seen.  Marquis Maze on a wide receiver throw had his tight end Michael Williams wide open near the end zone.  It looked like a touchdown until safety Eric Reid came out of nowhere to rip the ball away for the interception on the one yard line.  This kept Bama off the score board and sent the game into overtime.

Drew Alleman celebrating the Tigers 9-6 victory after he kicked the game winning field goal in overtime

At 6-6 in overtime Alabama missed a 52 yard field goal giving LSU the football.  LSU drove the field to the Bama 7 before kicking the game winning field to pull off the win 9-6.  There were so many amazing plays made in this contest that even though there was a low score it still was an incredible game.  LSU will remain number 1 in the country and control their destiny for the National Championship Game.  There is talk for a rematch between these two teams in the game but Alabama would need help for that to happen.  There is no question LSU deserves the Championship now by beating the #2 team and their archrival on the road.  So as they say in the Bayou meaning Go Tigers in Cajun, Geaux Tigers!!!