The Alabama-LSU Rivalry Continues by Jason Forthofer

The University of Alabama Crison Tide and the Louisiana State University Tigers continue their on-going rivalry. Both teams have been competitors in the Souteastern Conference since the early 1930's. The competition is fierce although Alabama leads in wins. The contest of 1922 saw Alabama outscore LSU 47 to 3. The 2007 competition saw the highest scoring game with LSU outshining Alabama, 41 to 34. The teams started competing against each other, on a yearly basis, in 1964.

When Coach Nick Saban took over Alabama's team, in 2007, things warmed up - Saban had previously been the coach at LSU. Although the first game by the new coach became known at the "Saban Bowl" his team lost 41-34. Saban's joining Alabama came at an exciting time as it pits his abilities again LSU coach Les Miles. Miles is known to many as a big-time BS'er. Saban, of course, was considered a traitor by his former players and fans. The 2007 game was almost as much about the coaches as it was the game.

In 2007 Coach Saban fueled the already raging fires by using a phrase, "Ala-bleeping-bama" - a derogatory term he used when describing a LSU fan. This did not set well with the LSU squad or the fans. Of course this raised the tempers at LSU as they heard their former coach assualt them with his verbal attack. Coach Miles caused the same steam for the other team when he told the LSU fans, "not to make too much of that game, as it seems like a lot of teams in Louisiana beat that team." Of course, one can wonder how Saban and Miles relate to each other off the field.

So, in their most recent match-up, with Alabama punishing the LSU team, 24-7, the competition between the coaches, and the rivalry between the teams continues to brew. Perhaps college sports is more spiritied than in the pros. Who knows why. In this situation we have the two teams going at it for years. But now, we also have two coaches who have a background to taunt this on-going rivalry. Now there is another reason to want to add victory to the mix. This is a play for the national title. The winner was to play Florida. Odds were that Alabama would take the win. And, they did.

So, the rivalry continues. Both teams, as well as their coaches, are looking at the upcoming game in 2010.