No. 1 Alabama Survives No. 16 LSU in Overtime, 27-21

Alabama's 27-21 overtime win at LSU in Baton Rouge on Saturday night clinched the Southeastern Western Division Championship for the Crimson Tide.  It was their first Division Title since 1999, when Alabama also won the SEC Championship.

Nick Saban comes from the shadows of the tunnel and runs out into Tiger Stadium, with State Troopers on both sides.  Saban was loudly booed from the LSU fans, along with Bama cheers inside a record holding crowd of 93,039.

Alabama (10-0 and 6-0 SEC) looked lethargic in the first half of play.  Rumor has it that Coach Nick Saban pulled stomach muscles in the locker room at half-time, giving his #1 team a pep talk.  Alabama did play much better in the second half, and overtime.

LSU's defense and running game helped the Tigers stay even with Alabama throughout the game, something the Tide is not used to.  The Tigers ran for 201 yards, and out-gained Alabama 382 to 353.

Unfortunately, the Tigers could not capitalize on Alabama mistakes, and that is what cost the Defending National Champions the chance to beat the No. 1 team in the nation and ruin their undefeated season.

Turn the page, and Alabama did make LSU pay for their mistakes.  The Tide scored 21 points, following Rashad Johnson's interceptions.

Alabama QB John Parker Wilson kept his team in the game, but in my opinion for sure did not win the game for the Tide.  The senior QB completed 15-of-31 attempts for 215 yards with an interception. Wilson ran two 1-yard touchdowns.

Glenn Coffee, Tide running back carried the ball 26 times for 126 yards and a touchdown.  He has been the go-to guy all year long!

Julio Jones, Tide Phenom freshman wide-receiver had a game-high seven catches for 128 yards.

Charles Scott led LSU on the ground with 24 carries and gaining 92 yards, scoring two touchdowns.

Keiland Williams carried the ball 13 times for 88 yards.

LSU QB Jarrett Lee finished the game with 13 of 34 passing for 181 yards and one touchdown.  He had four crucial interceptions.

Brandon LaFell had four catches for 74 yards, and Demetrius Byrd had four catches for 51 yards.

LSU (6-3 and 3-3 SEC) blocked Leigh Tiffin's 29-yard game winning field goal at the end of regulation, which forced overtime.  Defensive Tackle Ricky Jean-Francois made the block.

Alabama won the coin toss in overtime and elected to take the defensive end.

After two unsuccessful attempts it was third down and 6 from the 21 yard-line. Lee was intercepted in the end zone by Rashad Johnson, giving the Tide its second chance to win the game.

On the first play of OT, Wilson hit Jones on a 24-yard pass carrying it to the one-yard line. Wilson scored on a 1-yard run, the play was reviewed but it stood as confirmed on the field.....TOUCHDOWN.....ALABAMA WINS................................

Alabama will represent the Western Division in the SEC Championship on the first Saturday of December, and keep its chances alive for another National Championship.

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