College Classic Rewind: LSU Defeats ‘Bama in Inaugural “Saban Bowl”
This Saturday, #1 LSU travels to Tuscaloosa to face off with #2 Alabama in the latest “Game of the Century”.
This showdown between the Tigers and the Crimson Tide is the latest chapter in a SEC rivalry where the intensity has risen since Nick Saban became the head coach at Alabama.
From 2000-2004, Saban was the head coach at LSU where he compiled a 48-16 record, won two SEC Championships, and the 2003 BCS National Championship in his five seasons at Baton Rouge.
Saban left LSU following the 2004 season to become the head coach of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins while Les Miles moved from Oklahoma State to become the LSU head coach.
During the next two years, Miles would lead LSU to back-to-back 11-win seasons while Saban would struggle in Miami as he compiled a 15-17 record during that same time.
Almost immediately after the 2006 NFL season ended, Saban left Miami to become the Tide’s head coach, which in the minds of LSU fans was seen as an act of betrayal since ‘Bama played in the same division as LSU, the SEC West.
So when ‘Bama hosted LSU on the first Saturday in November 2007, it was an emotionally-charged game for the Tigers as the fan base demanded a victory over Saban and the Tide.
Alabama entered the game as the #17 team with a 6-2 record, and were 4-1 in the SEC, tying them with #3 LSU who were 7-1 but also had a 4-1 SEC record.
While he was putting LSU in the national title hunt, Miles was receiving criticism from the LSU fan base for some of his unconventional play-calling, especially in a triple overtime loss to Kentucky a few weeks back.
A win over Saban could go a long way in to exorcising some demons for Miles.
Alabama got the ball to start the game and drove down for a 36-yard field goal by Leigh Tiffin to put the Tide up 3-0, only to have the Tigers answer with a field goal of their own to end their opening drive, a 43-yarder by Colt David to tie the game at 3-3.
Then on the second play of Alabama’s next drive, quarterback John Parker Wilson was picked off by cornerback Chevis Jackson, who returned it 18 yards to the Tide’s 12-yard-line, setting up a 10-yard touchdown pass from Flynn to Early Doucet to put LSU on top 10-3 with 4:30 left in the first quarter.
‘Bama went three-and-out on its next possession, and punted the ball back to LSU, who took over at their own 46.
That is where “The Mad Hatter” struck as Flynn took the snap and handed it off to running back Jacob Hester, who then handed it off to Doucet on an end-around, who fired a pass for Flynn.
Flynn made the catch for a 35-yard gain to the Alabama 19-yard-line and five plays later, Hester punched it in from the 1 on the first play of the second quarter to increase the Tigers’ lead to 17-3.
Alabama's D.J. Hall celebrates his long touchdown catch in the 1st half of the Tide's showdown with LSU.
Both teams punted on their next possessions and it appeared Alabama would punt for the second straight possession when Wilson threw an incomplete pass on a 3rd down, but got a break when defensive end Tyson Jackson was called for roughing-the-passer giving the Tide a 1st down.
On the very next play, Wilson fired a deep pass for D.J. Hall, who made the catch and ran it in for a 67-yard touchdown to cut the LSU lead to 17-10.
Following the long touchdown, Flynn went into a downward spiral as he was intercepted on LSU’s next three possessions, which the Tide converted into 10 points to take a 20-17 lead.
The first interception was made by Rashad Johnson but Alabama was unable to convert the turnover into points and punted the ball back to LSU, who took over at their own 5-yard-line.
Then on 2nd-and-10, Flynn was picked off by linebacker Ezekiel Knight to give ‘Bama the ball at the LSU 10, only to have the Tigers’ defense hold and force a field goal, which Tiffin made from 21 yards out to cut the deficit to 17-13.
It appeared Flynn was back on track on LSU’s next series as he led the Tigers from their own 17 to the Tide’s 23-yard-line, only to be intercepted by Kareem Jackson, who returned the interception 51 yards to the LSU 35-yard-line and had 15 yards added to the return after a personal foul was called on Hester.
Wilson was sacked on 1st down for a nine-yard loss, but on 2nd down he found Keith Brown in the end zone for a 29-yard touchdown to put Alabama in the lead for the first time at 20-17 with 46 seconds left in the first half.
Flynn would complete four passes for 39 yards to give LSU a chance to tie the game with a field goal before the end of the half.
But Colt David’s 46-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Kareem Jackson as time expired, with the Tide going into the halftime break with a 20-17 lead.
The defenses controlled most of the third quarter as neither team could mount a scoring drive until late in the quarter when the Tide went 80 yards in eight plays, which culminated with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Brown to increase ‘Bama’s lead to 27-17 with 1:19 left in the third quarter.
It only took two plays for LSU to cut the lead back to three points as Flynn connected with Demetrius Byrd on a 61-yard touchdown to make it a 27-24 game with 20 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
The Tigers’ defense forced a ‘Bama punt on their next possession to get the ball back on their own 27-yard-line when Flynn and Byrd connected on another deep pass, this time for 35 yards, which lead to Colt David’s game-tying 49-yard field goal with 11:21 remaining in the fourth quarter.
John Parker Wilson is sacked by Chad Jones and fumbles the ball which sets up LSU's game-winning touchdown.
Alabama was forced to punt again on their next series, but their defense forced to LSU to punt the ball on their next possession when sophomore punt returner Javier Arenas made his presence felt.
Arenas took the punt at his 39-yard-line, and ran up the middle untouched for a 61-yard touchdown to give the Tide the lead again at 34-27 midway through the final quarter.
Both teams went three-and-out on their next possessions, giving the Tigers the ball at their own 16-yard-line with 4:53 to play in regulation.
Flynn completed five passes to lead LSU to the Bama 32-yard-line where they faced with a 4th-and-4 with just under three minutes to play.
Despite having two timeouts in his pocket, Miles decided to go for the 1st down.
Miles got more than the 1st down as Flynn found Doucet over the middle, who made the catch and ran in untouched for a 32-yard touchdown that along with Colt David’s extra point, tied the game at 34 with 2:49 left in regulation.
‘Bama took over at their own 32-yard-line and all three timeouts remaining but an incomplete pass and a quarterback sack led them to a 3rd-and-12.
That is when defensive end Chad Jones burst through the middle to not only sack Wilson, but knocked the ball loose which bounced to the Tide’s 3-yard-line where safety Curtis Taylor made the recovery to give LSU a chance for the go-ahead touchdown.
Hester gained two yards on 1st-and-goal, then scored on 2nd down to put the Tigers on top 41-34 with 1:26 to play.
The Tide’s last ditch drive to send the game into overtime starting from their own 28-yard-line with Wilson running for 21 yards on the first play of the drive.
But Wilson would throw four straight incomplete passes to turn the ball over on downs, and allowing for LSU to take a knee and run out the clock and come away with a 41-34 victory.
The win jumped LSU to #2 in the rankings and helped them clinch the SEC Western Division title and a berth in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta.
But it seemed the Tigers’ national title hopes came to an end in their regular season finale when they upset by the Arkansas Razorbacks 50-48 in triple overtime.
Les Miles and Nick Saban shake hands following LSU's victory over Alabama.
However, after a series of upsets of other teams and a 21-14 SEC Championship Game victory against Tennessee, the Tigers landed a spot in the BCS Championship Game where they defeated Ohio State 38-24 for their second national championship in five years.
As for Alabama, the loss to LSU sent them into a tailspin as they lost their last three games of the regular season, including a loss to Louisiana-Monroe, which landed them a spot in the Independence Bowl where they defeated the Colorado Buffaloes 30-24 to finish the season with a 7-6 record.
However, the Tide would rise back to national prominence the following two seasons as they went undefeated through the 2008 regular season and then went 14-0 in 2009 to win the national title making Saban only the second coach to win national championships at two different schools.
Last season, LSU defeated Alabama 24-21 to even the series at 2-2 since Saban’s arrival at Tuscaloosa in 2007.
Attractive part of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to claim that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I?ll be subscribing for your augment and even I fulfillment you get admission to consistently fast.
Fantastic site. Plenty of useful info here. I am sending it to some friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you on your effort!
Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice even as you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a weblog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit familiar of this your broadcast offered shiny clear idea
Somebody essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. That is the very first time I frequented your website page and up to now? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular put up extraordinary. Fantastic job!
F*ckin? awesome things here. I?m very glad to see your post. Thank you a lot and i’m having a look ahead to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
Whoah this blog is magnificent i really like reading your articles. Keep up the good paintings! You recognize, lots of people are searching around for this information, you could help them greatly.
Hi there very cool blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally?I am satisfied to seek out a lot of helpful information right here in the publish, we want develop extra strategies on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
Excellent weblog right here! Additionally your website lots up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I am getting your affiliate link on your host? I desire my site loaded up as fast as yours lol
Thanks for sharing about this gym. I had my first training session today. 🙂
I agree with your proposal. Thanks for visiting. and for the link to my website.I hope to get back on my website, maybe with your friends. Good day.
Pretty element of content. I simply stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing in your augment and even I fulfillment you get right of entry to persistently rapidly.
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole community will be grateful to you.
Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have truly enjoyed browsing your weblog posts. After all I will be subscribing in your rss feed and I’m hoping you write again soon!
We are an enormous fan! Many thanks offering this
I’m no longer certain the place you are getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend a while finding out more or understanding more. Thanks for great information I used to be on the lookout for this information for my mission.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your weblog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing on your feed and I am hoping you write once more very soon!
Valuable information. Fortunate me I found your website accidentally, and I am surprised why this coincidence did not happened in advance! I bookmarked it.
hello!,I love your writing very so much! share we communicate more about your article on AOL? I need an expert on this space to unravel my problem. Maybe that’s you! Taking a look ahead to see you.
Hello website owner! I found your website using Google and as a Search engine optimizer I have an offer for you that I think you will find very useful. There is a WordPress download that automatically does SEO for your site for better rankings, it’s a 1-click setup that’s not expensive at all and will help you make more money and drive more visitors to your blog. Click my username to take a look. Thanks for reading.
you are actually a good webmaster. The website loading pace is amazing. It sort of feels that you are doing any distinctive trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you have done a fantastic task on this matter!
hey there and thank you on your information ? I’ve definitely picked up anything new from proper here. I did however expertise several technical points the use of this site, as I experienced to reload the web site lots of times previous to I may just get it to load properly. I have been considering in case your web hosting is OK? Now not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances instances will very frequently have an effect on your placement in google and could injury your high quality rating if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and can glance out for much extra of your respective interesting content. Ensure that you replace this once more very soon..
Hi there, You’ve done a great job. I’ll certainly digg it and for my part suggest to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this site.
hi!,I like your writing very much! percentage we communicate extra approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert on this house to unravel my problem. Maybe that’s you! Looking forward to look you.
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all folks you actually recognise what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also discuss with my website =). We can have a link trade agreement among us
Usually I do not learn article on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to take a look at and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, very great post.
Well-defined, appreciate it!
I liked as much as you will receive carried out proper here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. however, you command get bought an impatience over that you would like be handing over the following. unwell unquestionably come further previously again as precisely the similar nearly very frequently within case you protect this increase.
I’ll right away seize your rss feed as I can’t to find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly permit me recognise in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.
Thanks , I have just been looking for information about this subject for a long time and yours is the best I have found out so far. But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the supply?|What i do not understood is if truth be told how you’re no longer actually a lot more well-liked than you may be right now. You’re so intelligent.
I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Studying this information So i’m satisfied to exhibit that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I such a lot indubitably will make certain to do not fail to remember this website and provides it a glance on a relentless basis.
Wonderful work! That is the kind of information that should be shared across the net. Disgrace on the seek engines for now not positioning this put up upper! Come on over and consult with my website . Thanks =)
Hey There. I discovered your blog the usage of msn. That is a really neatly written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to learn extra of your helpful information. Thank you for the post. I’ll certainly return.
Bienvenido en esta página encontraras los cursos y ebooks mejor valorados/calificados en lengua hispana.
I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Studying this info So i’m glad to exhibit that I have an incredibly just right uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I such a lot for sure will make sure to don?t forget this website and give it a look on a constant basis.
Thank you for any other fantastic post. Where else may just anyone get that type of information in such an ideal method of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m on the search for such information.
Thank you, I have just been searching for info about this topic for ages and yours is the best I’ve discovered till now. However, what about the conclusion? Are you sure in regards to the supply?|What i don’t realize is actually how you are now not actually a lot more well-favored than you might be now. You’re very intelligent.
I used to be suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not certain whether or not this put up is written via him as no one else realize such special approximately my difficulty. You’re wonderful! Thanks!
I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this site. Studying this information So i am satisfied to convey that I’ve an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most undoubtedly will make certain to do not forget this site and give it a glance regularly.
Great post and right to the point.There is no doubt that
I relish, result in I found just what I used to be taking a look for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
Thanks for another excellent post. Where else may anyone get that type of info in such an ideal way of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the look for such info.
Generally I do not learn article on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to take a look at and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thank you, very nice post.
I like Your Article about College Classic Rewind: LSU Defeats ‘Bama in Inaugural “Saban Bowl” | Sports Then and Now Perfect just what I was searching for! .
I am really impressed together with your writing abilities as smartly as with the structure to your blog. Is that this a paid subject matter or did you customize it your self? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice weblog like this one these days..
I Will have to return again whenever my course load lets up – nonetheless I am taking your Rss feed so i can read your site offline. Thanks.
Article Source: more information on how to regrow your hair check out Total Hair Regrowth
Review. Electrolysis – Electrolysis is a solution which utilizes a needle to kill the hair at its
root. Such devices as KTP, ERBIUM, Pulse DYE and Alexandrite have
short length of laser light waves, and they are very effective for removing
unwanted hair on a light colored skin.
my web page; laser cap results
This herbal solution will help you achieve picture perfect hair once more.
main light based permanent hair removal technique for men. Any cosmetic plastic procedure could be a
worthwhile and extraordinary experience for both the patient and surgeon, if this is done
in the light of surgical standards in term of safety.
my blog post … laser hair growth treatment before and after
Since business owners lack financial skills
of the accountant, a marketing service is important for good communication. When executed
properly, it can build your websites exposure, increase your traffic and improve your conversion rate.
Article Source: in business is mostly about marketing, especially online.
Here is my web page :: waikiki beach hotel room