Seth Zeiset
Staff Writer

Boos poured onto the field as the LSU Tigers stormed Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa Alabama. Perhaps it’s because they have a deep disdain for their conference rival, or maybe it’s because they knew that this would be the toughest test of the season for the Tide, but nonetheless, the crowd roared discouragement into the path of Les Miles and his Tiger team.

Undefeated and seeking an unprecedented third straight BCS National Championship, the #1 Alabama Crimson Tide faced the #13 LSU Tigers on Saturday. It’s no argument that division rival LSU is one of the Tide’s toughest opponents. In recent years a history has developed between the two proud SEC schools.

Dubbed the “Game of the Century” in 2011, #1 LSU came into Tuscaloosa and won a defensive battle against #2 Alabama 9-6. Then, in the 2012 BCS national championship game, #2 Alabama trounced #1 LSU 21-0 in the “Game of the Century: Part 2.” If that wasn’t enough to fuel the rivalry for years to come, last year Alabama escaped the jaws of defeat, scoring within one minute left to stun LSU 21-17 en route to their 2nd straight BCS title.

Alabama takes down Mettenberger, as they’ve done all year.
Alabama takes down Mettenberger, as they’ve done all year.

So as another chapter between the two powerhouses was about to begin, the Alabama rose to their feet and unleashed a thunderous roar as the Tide rolled onto the field. In a game that has brought triumph and heartbreak, the Alabama faithful weren’t going to take any chances: they roared every time LSU touched the ball.

Amidst the energy of their passionate fans, #1 Alabama defeated #13 LSU 38-17. Alabama won with offensive balance and defensive pressure. Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron threw for 179 yards and 3 touchdowns, and runningback TJ Yeldon accumulated 133 yards and 2 touchdowns on 25 carries.

Costly turnovers derailed a driving LSU team in their first two possessions of the game. On their first possession, J.C. Copeland fumbled the ball 3 yards from the end zone, snuffing a potential 7-point lead against the #1 team in the country. Deflated, but driving, LSU struck disaster again on their next possession. A miscommunication up front caused an errant snap as LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger attempted to change the play. The football bounced off of Mettenberger’s chest and was recovered by Alabama, leading to a field goal. Later, down 3-7, McCarron connected with Tight End OJ Howard across the middle for a 52-yard touchdown for a 10-7 lead.

Despite the turnovers, LSU tied the game 17-17 early in the 3rd Alabama dominated from there on. On their next possession, Alabama found themselves in a 4th situation. In punting formation, linebacker CJ Mosley got a direct snap to the right of the center.

Running to the left, Mosley handed the ball to a running Jarrick Williams, who rushed to the right for 6 yards and a first down. The fake punt seemed to shift all the momentum to Alabama’s favor, as they went on to score 21 unanswered points for a 38-17 lead.

Alabama’s defense ended the game in dominant fashion. With 2 minutes left, the Alabama defense sacked Mettenberger on 3 consecutive downs to force a turnover. Mettenberger struggled to stand up after his last sack, limping to the sideline and throwing his helmet to the ground. With their third loss of the season, LSU has dropped to #21 in the latest BCS rankings.

After witnessing a dominating performance against a bitter rival, the Alabama crowd took a shot at the likes of Oregon and Florida State, chanting “We want Bama!” Oregon has been calling Alabama’s name for weeks, but lost to #5 Stanford on Thursday night, all but eliminating them from BCS championship contention. #2 Florida State also chanted “We want Bama,” when they beat Miami 41-14 on Nov. 3rd, and, as it stands, will play #1 Alabama for the Championship in Pasadena if they both win out. Of course Alabama cannot play themselves in this year’s BCS championship, but if the Tuscaloosa natives have told us anything, it’s that they truly believe only they can prevent themselves from a three-peat. Continue your “We want Bama” chants Tide fans, because until they fall, the Alabama Crimson Tide are the clear-cut best team in the country.