The game was in doubt until the final two minutes of the game when McCarron guided the Tide for the go ahead score. (AP Photo)

LSU Win More Than a W and a Perfect Season for Alabama

By: Larry Burton

Saturday night’s win over LSU could mean much more to Alabama than just a win and a perfect regular season for Alabama, at least if history is any indication.

Most championship seasons have involved the championship team either losing a close game or somehow pulling out a game that it seemed destined that they were going to lose. Last season for Alabama, it was the LSU loss. The year before, Auburn pulled off many close games including one to Alabama and the 2009 season saw Mt. Cody blocking a last second field goal to preserve a win against Tennessee.

Those “escape” games gave the eventual winner the faith that they could do whatever it takes to win the big game at the end of the season when the harshest glare was upon them.

Saturday night, Alabama clearly didn’t come with their A game to Tiger Stadium. On the contrary, Zack Mettenberger and LSU clearly played their best game of the year. The Tigers won time of possession by almost 10 minutes, had more first downs, a much better third down conversion percentage, more total yardage of offense. The LSU defense held the Crimson Tide’s offense in check the entire second half except when it mattered and therein is another reason for Tide fans to look to history and be grateful.

History shows that a true champion is capable of beating a good team, and LSU certainly showed last night that they were that, even when they don’t come with their A game, and once again, Alabama certainly didn’t come with that.

Nick Saban has said all year long that any team is capable of beating his Crimson Tide and while most of us in the press still may not buy that any team could, it was apparent tonight that any good team could and the Tide is certainly going to face one of those in the BCS game.

So Saturday night the Alabama Crimson Tide escaped with another W and perhaps a perfect regular season, but they also acquired something more important, a wake up call without having to endure a loss to get that message.

Fans will find out next week when Alabama faces a very confident and improving Texas A&M just how well that wake up call was received.