Jess Elyse: We Lost, But Then We Won

Sunday, March 18, 2012

We Lost, But Then We Won

Last November, LSU came to Tuscaloosa to play Alabama in what was called the Game of the Century.

It was a lot of pressure for these two teams in what is already a heated rivalry.

Now, in Tuscaloosa, we had ESPN camping out, more people in the city than we had ever had before, and two teams that were hoping to pull out a win. For LSU, it was to remain undefeated and have a chance at the National Championship game. For Alabama, it was the same, but they were also playing for redemption and to revive a town that was torn. Alabama was playing for a greater cause. Just as LSU aimed, and succeeded, to win the National Championship game for their fans after their home state had been ripped and flooded by Hurricane Katrina, Alabama had the same notion. To play and win the National Championship game for their state and fans who had been torn and impacted by a wave of deadly storms and tornadoes that ripped apart their state, including Tuscaloosa, the home of the Crimson Tide, in April of 2011.

The Game of the Century ended with LSU on top and what appeared to be a sure win in the National Championship game to take place in January. Alabama thought that their chances were gone. Then, a turn of events that could only happen in college football, gave the Tide a second chance. The teams that needed to win did, and the ones who needed to lose, lost. At the end of the day, LSU was number one and Alabama was right behind them in the number two seat. Controversy and anger came from many different ends, while excitement, nervousness and elated joy came from Bama supporters. It was a second chance that was unbelievable, but it was here.

LSU and Alabama would have a rematch.

In the National Championship game in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Alabama would win.