SEC Showdown

Saturday night marked an epic SEC showdown between #1 LSU and #2 Alabama. So much hype had been put into this game that fans were expecting the best. The game took place at Alabama so the Crimson Tide had the home field advantage. The head story line going into the game was which offense could score against each others top defenses. Most knew with defenses of this caliber, the final score would be very low. Those people were correct as at halftime, the score was 3-3. Both teams had missed opportunities in the red zone and the Tide had even missed 2 field goals. The 2nd half wasn't much different as the game was tied after four quarters of play. Heisman candidate Trent Richardson had ran off some nice carries for Alabama, but he couldn't reach the end zone. The play of the game game with seven minutes left when LSU safety Eric Reid intercepted Marquis Maze's pass. Alabama was on the 30 yard line of LSU about to take the lead. Instead of keeping the ball in their quarterbacks hands, Alabama did a trick play instead as the running back Maze received a pitch and looked up to pass. He spotted his man streaking towards the end zone but instead of a solid throw, he put up a floater. The Alabama tight end appeared to of had it in his hands, but as both players were going down, Reid pulled the ball out and it was ruled an interception.

Tied at 6-6, the game went into overtime. LSU won the toss and elected to play defense first. After a few costly penalties, Alabama was forced to attempt a 52 yard field goal. The Alabama kicker missed again for his fouth time in the night and the door was opened to LSU as all they needed was as score to win. After a few nice running plays, LSU had set up their kicker perfectly as they had reached the 12 yard line for a 30 yard field goal. The LSU kicker calmly walked about and despite the raucous crowd, he put it through the uprights. #1 LSU had beaten #2 Alabama on the road and set themselves up nicely to have the chance at competing for the championship come winter.

As many expected, this was a hard fought game as both teams combined for only 15 points. Now the questions comes to many. If both teams win out, do they deserve to play each other in the National Championship. Teams like Oklahoma State and Boise State are in the mix as well, but I would really like to see these two teams duke it out again as I believe they are the top two teams in the nation. Either way, this game was very exciting and LSU proved they are the team to beat in college football.