With Saturday’s last-minute victory over Arkansas, I finally believe that Alabama is “real.” After years of wandering, we’re on the cusp of walking back into the holy land. And lo, there shall be SEC championships, and possibly large rings encrusted with diamonds, and bragging rights that do not involve caveats like “in the seventies.”
Note to experienced Alabama fans: have you ever yelled “Roll Tide” in a packed bar in Baton Rouge, literally ignorant of the hatred that would spew forth? Well, have I got a tip for you! Buy those drunks a round and talk about how they manhandled Virginia Tech. They love that.
Alabama has a long way to go. I’ve been at the forefront of those decrying JPW and hailing the twin assault team of Grant and Coffee. Yet as Roll Bama Roll explains, “Rocket” Grant (I’m trying to think of a nickname, here) was stopped pretty comprehensively by the Hogs D. And while John Parker may have struggled a bit, he rose to the occasion like a champion, managing that last, long winning drive and performing magnificently. This fan video captures the last moments:
That’s how you do it. Eight seconds left, no time outs, and a seemingly effortless little toss, and it’s all over. I was almost happy I missed the first half, because I don’t think I could have handled the rollercoaster effect of this game—I was exhausted after only watching the second half. But the sound of that crowd . . .
One thing I have to say: Darren McFadden is for real. One of the most explosive players I’ve ever seen. The times he got out on Alabama—well, as my dad said, you don’t beat him, you just hope to contain him. Some highlights from last year, showing him running all over everybody:
Arkansas was the first real test, and this Saturday will be another. The heartbreak of a perennial also-ran Gamecocks team, run by the most hated man in college football, has likely hardened UGA for the rest of the season. Am I happy that we’re ranked? That we’re now ranked over Georgia? Yeah. Does it mean anything at all? No.
But after Arkansas, I’m a lot more confident.
McFadden will rank with the best SEC backs: Herschel and Bo.And no I’m not interested in hearing about Emmitt or George or the guy from Kentucky who rushed for 300+ yards in a game (then the D1 record) or anybody else who were good college players but not transcendent. Herschel Walker as a freshman was perhaps the best college football player I’ve ever seen; George Rogers might have won the 1980 Heisman Trophy, but anybody with eyes knows Herschel was the best player in the country that year. The only player to touch Herschelness as a freshman (and no its not Adrian Peterson but another Okie) was Marcus Dupree, for the first half he put on ASU in the Fiesta Bowl, 239 yards in 17 carries while nursing ankle, rib, and hamstring injuries, each of which occured during the game. He played less than a half, his team lost, and he still was the MVP of the game. Oh yeah, the Fiesta Bowl rushing record today still dates to 1983-Dupree’s 239 yards.
Herschel Highlights:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KyKLeXP2XOU
Marcus Highlights:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9R4T7mukapE&mode=related&search=
Amen.
Oh yeah, this is Alabama’s year. 6-5 or bust!
I suck at trash talk. I always feel guilty about it.
Turn over and over, Alabama, Turn over and over.
Is that trash talk?