A Saturday to Remember

Well, I can honestly say that I had no idea that I would be writing this article Saturday before the game. I remember telling my wife, "I think the Tennessee fans know their team is about to get whooped."

I also remember one Tennessee fan saying, "Well mister, if you think that we lost hope, you may be in for the ride of your life." This is true: I was in for the ride of my life.

You see, where I was seated Saturday wasn't exactly "Bama Country." No, It was the Vols takeover of Bryant Denny. I was in more or less the worst spot for an Alabama fan to sit in the whole stadium. I was in the dead center of all of the Tennessee fans. I was worried after the game because I had rocky top stuck in my head, but you have to admit that it has a catchy tune.

The game was maybe the best game you will see all year, but for all of the wrong reasons.

The game was not supposed to be so close, but that is why the game is not played on paper. Tennessee was huge underdogs going into the rivalry game consisting of two strong SEC teams. Both teams have great defenses, but Tennessee's seemed to exceed past all expectations.

They held Alabama to not only 12 points, but did not allow a single touchdown the entire game. The only touchdown of the game was scored by the Volunteers in their attempt to make a fourth quarter comeback.

You would think, if you were reading this article before that game, that Tennessee had pulled off the upset. No, they did not win. The Tide won the game by a score of 12-10.

This was, in my opinion, the worst showing by Alabama all season. It was also the lowest margin of win by the Tide all season.

The Crimson Tide went into this game with the No. 1 ranking in the AP poll. It wasn't a mistake that they fell back down to the second spot after this game. I have really got to give Tennessee their credit. They played a good game, but this was a defensive battle. When you're in a defensive battle with the Alabama Crimson Tide you will more than likely lose.

Running back Mark Ingram was exceptional. With 99 yards on the ground, he had a pretty solid day. Nothing to put on the cover of the New York Times or anything, but it was a good day. The worse part for him was the fumble. His first ever fumble as an Alabama player that was not recovered by a teammate. I didn't think it could happen.

 If I had to pick who the game ball went to though, it would without a doubt be defensive lineman Terrance Cody. The big guy blocked two field goals in the fourth quarter. This included the biggest one of them all, which was when Tennessee lined up with four seconds left. The game was close. All Tennessee had to do was make this field goal to pull off the upset, but big "Mount" Cody blocked the kick to end the game and put a "W" by Tennessee's name for the Tide.

Overall, the game was great, and I will forever remember this incredible game. It was again great for all the wrong reasons, but that is what makes college football so great.

ROLL TIDE