LSU vs. Alabama: Why the Crimson Tide Will Not Get a Rematch

"The Game of the Century" lived up to the bill. Well, not that exact bill. It seemed more like "The Kicking Game."

LSU and Alabama traded blows, and after a few boots it was the Tigers that came out victorious. In one of the greatest defensive standoffs in recent memory, both units bent but never let their guard down. The offenses tried to break through but kept hitting a wall.

Now LSU might have punched their ticket for a date in New Orleans. After all that trench warfare, Alabama had every shot to chink their armor.

But for an Alabama team, 25 yards from the end zone seemed miles away. Too many kicks sailed wide of the goal posts. For an encore, they managed to work their way out of field-goal range in overtime.

Nick Saban had been 27-3 at Bryant Denny Stadium and undefeated in so-called "revenge" games. But in arguably the biggest home game of his career, his team couldn’t buy points. Unable to top LSU on their home field, a rematch on a neutral site seems ludicrous.

If one of the teams from a Big Six conference goes undefeated, Alabama has no argument. They had their turn, now they have to take a number and hope it gets called.

Alabama will have to play their best game every week and hope the chips fall in their favor. But the same goes for Oklahoma, Oregon and even Boise State (if the computers get a heart transplant). The Sugar Bowl seems like a great bet.

If there happened to be a playoff, the Crimson Tide would be right in it. Alabama fans, find your nearest computer and set it on fire. The BCS system is preventing "The Revenge Game of the Century."

The other championship contenders boast even more explosive offenses and probably effective field-goal kickers. Facing LSU would serve as a fitting championship matchup. These teams facing Les Miles’ squad would have more allure and curiosity than another Alabama grinder.

Oklahoma State has scored 30 or more points every game this season and has perhaps the most NFL-ready receiver in Justin Blackmon. If they can get through their Big 12 season (and a home game with Oklahoma), it would be compelling to see if they could score points against the LSU defense.

Or how about Stanford? They may have had an early cupcake schedule, but a Pac-12 sweep is no easy feat. If they can pull out a convincing victory against the Oregon Ducks, they’ll also have a win that only LSU can claim. And I've heard their quarterback is pretty good. Fans and NFL scouts alike would be salivating at Andrew Luck across from an LSU defense with so much first-round talent.

There are always "Ifs" in these scenarios, but sitting behind LSU in the SEC West with no outs, New Orleans is wishful thinking.

Until next year, 'Bama.