Stage 1: Bama Hate Week
The biggest week of LSU football is finally here. We have been waiting patiently for five years to experience a win over Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide. This year is our year. We have a new coach and the unstoppable Leonard Fournette, so anything is possible. From the explicit signs hung around campus to the hilarious tweets, no one held back their resentment for Alabama.
Stage 2: Tailgating
The campus is bustling with thousands of people decked out in purple and gold. It feels like the entire city of Baton Rouge has come to witness the iconic battle between the Tigers and the Tide. The parade grounds are full of out of control fraternity tailgates blaring “Callin’ Baton Rouge” and yelling “Tiger Bait” at opposing fans. Even ESPN GameDay had to come get in on the fun.
Stage 3: The Pregame
We made it in the stadium. Arriving two hours early to the student section is totally worth it. We got the best seats in the house! As we watch the team warmup and the hype videos play, the electric atmosphere of Death Valley comes to life. The Golden Band from Tigerland plays those four notes that bring tears to my eyes. That’s how I know magic is about to happen. When the team runs out through the tunnel with fire works blasting in the air, it’s better than Christmas morning.
Stage 4: First Quarter
INTERCEPTION!!! The stadium is deafening after the LSU defense intercepts a pass from Alabama’s Jalen Hurts on the first drive of the game! I personally couldn't believe it. However, the Tide’s defensive holds its ground and prevents the Tigers from capitalizing on the turnover. Before we knew it, the first quarter was over. We are still extremely optimistic. The score: 0 - 0.
Stage 5: Second Quarter
Both teams’ powerhouse defenses dominate over the underwhelming offenses. The stadium is glowing with pride for their defense, yet the offense can barely get a first down. On Alabama’s first chance to get on the scoreboard, Griffith misses a 42-yard field goal. The valley shakes. The first half is over. We have held our ground. The score: 0 - 0.
Stage 6: Third Quarter
After halftime, LSU’s offense stays underwhelming. Alabama has totally shut down Fournette for the second year in a row. But then, FUMBLE!!! The LSU defense forces a fumble off of a sack on Hurts. However, they cannot capitalize off of this turnover yet again. The defensive battles continues with the audience constantly wondering who is going to weaken first. The score: 0 - 0.
Stage 7: Fourth Quarter
Tiger Stadium is louder than I have ever witnessed as the final quarter of the game begins. When was the last time that a team held Alabama to zero points going into the fourth quarter? Because I can't remember. But then, the dream ended. Hurts led the Tide down the field and ran 21 yards into the end zone on a quarterback keep (surprised by this play call? I wasn’t). Hurts’ touchdown gave the Tide the lead and silenced the stadium. Alabama got the ball back shortly after and winded down the clock before scoring a field goal, which solidified their victory. With barely any time left and a two-score deficit, the Tigers had run out of luck. Another loss to Bama in the books. A dream-killing sixth straight loss. The final score: 0 - 10.
Although the Tigers fell short, I am still incredibly proud of the game that they put on. Watch out Saban, there’s always next year. Until then, I’ll be cheering “War Eagle” full-heartly for the Auburn Tigers during the Iron Bowl because quite frankly, I’m tired of Alabama winning.
But as always, Geaux Tigers forever.
