When it comes to sports ó and many other facets for that matter† ó Alabama as a state is completely and totally irrelevant. We donít have a National Basketball Association team or even a professional baseball team. We donít even have a team in the National Hockey League. Hey, Tennessee has a team, so why canít we have one too? This is why the Crimson Tide victory last week was such a remarkable event for the great state of Alabama.
I come from a state that lives, breathes and dies for college football. Granted, this is largely because we have nothing better to watch, other than NASCAR. But who really wants to watch a bunch of men driving fancy cars making left turns for two hours?
The gameplay itself was really quite pathetic. When I turned off the television at the end of the night I found myself wondering what was worse ó Mack Brownís play calling or Nick Sabanís post- game press conference. I mean, you pay to whiten those teeth, Nick; you might as well use them. Failed fake punts, an inexperienced freshman quarterback and dropped passes are not exactly the perfect recipe for football excellence.
Despite the disappointing quality of play, the game certainly provided some excitement. A third quarter score of 24-21 certainly made everyone wonder ìCould this freshman really do it? Could this kid really stage a comeback against one of the best defenses in the country?”
Fortunately for the fans in my home state, just as that thought began to creep into the minds of every person watching the BCS championship, senior linebacker Eryk Anders reminded us all that we were not watching ìRemember the Titans.” As that ball rolled away from Garrett Gilbert deep in Texas territory we all came back to reality. The game once again became a one-sided affair as Alabama proceeded to spend the rest of the fourth quarter running all over the best defense the Big 12 Conference had to offer.
In the end, I must admit that I am happy for my home state. We donít get much national attention. Itís nice to know that for at least a week or two, when I hear people reference Alabama, there is a chance they arenít talking about a new law which makes it legal for second cousins to get married. Perhaps they are talking about Heisman recipient Mark Ingramís exceptional running ability, or Terrance Codyís future as a powerhouse defensive lineman. Or maybe, just maybe, they are talking about the Tuscaloosa Wal-Mart where the trophy was displayed shortly after the Crimson Tideís crowning achievement. Remember not to hate ó you shop there, too.