Welcome to Atlanta: ‘Bama Defeats LSU, Wins West

Everyone enjoys classic television, and the 2009 edition of LSU/Alabama played out like the glory days of old.

On one side of the field we had the famous television show, M*A*S*H…also known as the LSU football team. Even though it never appeared in the stats, the leading rusher for the Tigers was without question…the training staff!

While the complete series of M*A*S*H was broadcast throughout Bryant-Denny Stadium, fans and viewers alike received a taste of another famous television classic during the second half.

Courtesy of a Julio Jones 73-yard touchdown reception from Greg McElroy, the theme song from Welcome Back, Kotter began to play in the minds of many Tide fans! Julio Jones was back…and LSU was finished.

Thanks to mental and physical toughness, a big play from Julio Jones, a dose of Mark Ingram, and some solid defense, Alabama defeated the LSU Tigers...24-15. With the victory, the Crimson Tide improves to 9-0 on the season, and captures the SEC Western Division crown for the second consecutive season.

Many thought this game would be down to the wire, and the contest at Bryant-Denny certainly lived up to the hype. Following a scoreless first quarter which saw a series of defensive stands and field position swings, the LSU Tigers added the first score of the game. Quarterback Jordan Jefferson connected with wide receiver Deangelo Peterson on a 12-yard touchdown to give LSU an early 7-0 lead.

Alabama was able to move the ball in the initial half of play, but quarterback Greg McElroy was shaky to say the least. McElroy missed open receivers and ended the first half with an interception. Alabama was however able to get on the scoreboard courtesy of a 28-yard field goal from Leigh Tiffin.

LSU held a 7-3 advantage as both teams headed for the locker room, but the firework display, as expected…would come after dark.



I’m not sure what Alabama coach Nick Saban said to Greg McElroy at the half…but it worked. Alabama took a 10-7 lead early in the third quarter as the maligned McElroy found wide receiver Darius Hanks for a 21-yard touchdown. With the pass to Hanks, the Tide offense broke a six quarter drought without an offensive touchdown.

Even though ‘Bama took the lead, the Crimson Tide momentum was short lived. LSU was able to pin the Tide deep thanks to a punt. After a dropped pass by Julio Jones, Greg McElroy found himself trapped in the endzone which resulted in a safety.

LSU recaptured the motivational edge and would later retake the lead thanks to a touchdown run by LSU running back Stevan Ridley. Ridley replaced running back Charles Scott who was injured following a long run which actually set up the Ridley touchdown. LSU would take a 15-10 lead into the final quarter of play.



Early in the final period, Tide placekicker Leigh Tiffin connected on a
20-yard field goal to cut the LSU lead to 15-13. With just over 10 minutes to play, Alabama would take the lead once again, but this time…it was for good.

LSU defensive back Patrick Peterson battled injury throughout the game, and when LSU needed him the most, Peterson was out of the game due to cramps. The absence of Peterson turned into the ultimate exploitation.



With the game, and the season on the line, Tide quarterback Greg McElroy found Julio Jones on a “jail break” screen and Jones raced 73 yards down the sidelines for a ‘Bama touchdown.

Leigh Tiffin would add yet another field goal to ice the game and send Alabama…back to Atlanta.

Click here: CBS RECAP & KEY STATS

Julio Jones TD:


LSU/ALABAMA Highlights:


CRIMSON EXTRA POINTS:
With his performance against LSU, Leigh Tiffin is now the all-time leading scorer in Alabama football history!

Alabama currently remains No. 3 in the AP and USA TODAY COACHES POLL, however, the Tide did move to the No. 2 position in the latest BCS standings.

NOTE: Coming soon...Alabama/Mississippi State preview.