BCS National Championship: Auburn Tigers Finally Get a Chance To Play for It All

As I type this, I’m preparing to fly out to Glendale, Arizona (without a ticket, by the way) to be with the Auburn family as the Tigers participate in the BCS National Championship Game. 

Monday night will be the culmination of the efforts of so many that have been involved in Auburn University and the Auburn Football program. In my short lifetime, the 1993 team and the 2004 team have been overlooked and under-appreciated, despite undefeated records in the SEC. 

I would imagine former players like current grad assistant Travis Williams and color commentator Stan White are somewhat invested in this team.

What about Tommy Tuberville? All of these senior leaders were recruited by him. His 2004 season, which ended in getting left out of the BCS Title Game, was especially difficult to swallow for players, coaches, and fans alike. 

What about Pat Dye? Despite his success, he never achieved an official national championship. He came close in a couple of seasons, and many thought the Tigers would be crowned champions in 1983.

I know Jim Fyffe would have been thrilled to call this game.

Auburn football fans everywhere have been seeking this opportunity for decades. There have been near misses across decades, coaching staffs, players, presidents, and athletic directors. 

The margin for error for a national championship in college football is zero. Either win all your games, or put your fate in the hands of other teams. And sometimes even that isn't enough. 

Auburn's chance has arrived. Monday night, the Tigers will play on the sport’s greatest stage. They have earned their shot at history by surviving the SEC gauntlet with a spotless 13-0 record.

Obviously, a loss in this game would be tough to swallow. But if you’ve been around Auburn long enough, there’s something special about simply getting an opportunity. At long last, a chance has arrived.

No questions will remain unanswered; they will be answered on the field. And that’s how it should be.

Make sure to enjoy the moment, Auburn fans. There are 118 fanbases that would love to have this shot at football glory. As you know all too well, these chances are to be savored and taken advantage of.