BCS Championship Game Live Thread
By Kyle Kensing
This one is for all the [INSERT MEME]. Alabama vs. LSU. It’s SEC elitist utopia. And how perfect that the BCS rotation to New Orleans coincided with the first All-SEC championship? Though in fairness to those who have pondered how odd it may have been bringing the South to the Southern California and the Rose Bowl, I suggest those people have never been to Fontana.
Thank you, I’ll be here all night. Hopefully you will, as well. Check in via the Comments throughout the game to leave your thoughts on the Mythical National Championship.
Time stamps are PST.
5:21 p.m.
A…rousing, let’s say, rendition of the national anthem gets a pretty universally panned reaction from Twitterverse.
5:26 p.m.
Brent Musberger drops past rematches that grow increasingly underwhelming: Ali-Frazier, McEnroe-Connors, UNLV-Duke, Florida-Florida State (’97); between the questionable anthem and the descending order of rematches rattled off, the BCS Championship is off to a disappointing start.
5:30 p.m.
Nick Saban is not amused.
5:39 p.m.
A possession per side, a punt per side. Brad Wing’s was better for LSU, but the Tigers will start their second possession relatively far back after giving up a couple first downs to the Tide. Cue jokes about exciting offense and all-field goal finals.
5:43 p.m.
“This [Alabama/LSU] defense” is a term that should not be included in any BCS drinking game, lest the participant have an ambulance on standby.
5:51 p.m.
A costly return yields small payoff. Alabama leads 3-0 in the first quarter, but Marquis Maze’s runback on a Brad Wing punt may have cost the Tide its most prolific special teams and deep passing weapon. He beelined for the sideline after pulling up lame. Unfortunate development, it will be interesting to see how Nick Saban adjusts.
The lack of use of Trent Richardson on the ensuing red zone possession was questionable, like David Shaw’s use (or lack thereof) of Andrew Luck in the Fiesta Bowl’s overtime.
5:57 p.m.
Alabama’s defense is scary good. Les Miles goes to a no-huddle, but the Tide adjusts seamlessly to force a third punt. In an age wherein everything is called “best everything,” it’s worth asking if this collection of defensive talent is in fact the best ever.
5:59 p.m.
Robert Griffin III was given the AT&T Player of the Year award. Gotta love it, especially being presented the honor in front of Paul Finebaum, RG3’s most ardent (if not outright trolling) detractor.
6:05 p.m.
was immediately followed by this:
6:16 p.m.
Jim McElwain is really unloading his offensive playbook — and considering how LSU has tamed Trent Richardson, that’s a good thing for Alabama. The Tide are getting into LSU territory, but a blocked field goal has to provide some unwanted flashbacks for Crimson faithful to Nov. 5. Still 3-0 despite the fact UA has outplayed LSU in every facet.
6:24 p.m.
Actual text: “I already saw this exact same game earlier this year.”
6:33 p.m.
Alabama’s moving the ball well. Looks like there’s a crack in the dam of LSU’s defense that can only be sealed by a sustained drive for the Tiger offense. Thus far, there’s little suggesting the Bayou Bengals will get that established. Jordan Jefferson is struggling mightily. Might we see Jarrett Lee?
6:35 p.m.
Aside from appearing to be a film that would cater to tree smokers, Disney’s “John Carter” looks like the old Hanna-Barbera cartoon “The Herculoids.” I was disappointed to see that wasn’t a trailer for live action “Herculoids,” in fact.
6:47 p.m.
Alabama continues to move the ball effectively. This is the most one-sided 9-0 lead I have ever seen, which is both positive and negative for the Tide: positive, Alabama could easily build on this advantage but negative being, UA has played brilliantly and two scores completely change the complexion.
6:56 p.m.
I can’t completely explain why, but Chip Kelly’s presence on the Gameday panel reminds me of Chris Farley’s “Chris Farley Show” skits from early ’90s SNL. You decide.
7:35 p.m.
“A horrible mistake!” – Brent Musberger on Jordan Jefferson’s interception, though that could sum up the LSU quarterback’s entire night.