Blast From the Past: Bama-LSU 1999

1999 Bama-LSU Game Gives Tide Win and Loss

Once again, from all the LSU memories in all of my world, none could top my brother’s from 1999. Sure, I could tell you how I surprised a couple of gentlemen who sold us some tickets prior to the 2005 contest featuring an undefeated Alabama. During that transaction made while milling around the ESPN College GameDay set, they had pegged me as a “quiet” fan. With seats next to us at the game later that evening, they were given the opportunity to retract that description, which they promptly did after the first half ended.

By way of introduction to another stirring recollection from my brother, he has in prior seasons prepared a “Countdown to Kickoff” starting at 99 days (because that’s the highest number on the roster). This is important because he shares (often from memory) amazing stats, plays, honors, etc., from a former Bama

Fat Lady Warms Up in Tallahassee

"You don't really need me; you just keep me hanging on..."

Perhaps it’s Florida State’s Dr.-Jekyll-and-Mr.-Hyde season that prompted the university’s chief of trustees to (finally) call for the retirement of “head coach” Bobby Bowden. The Seminoles’ two wins so far this season have come against FCS opponent Jacksonville State and a convincing beatdown of, granted, a very overrated BYU on the Cougars’ home field. Those victories plus two conference losses and a stunner to in-state rival(?) South Florida did not add up to quite the follow-up season expected after 2008’s 9-4 record and a Citrus Bowl win over Wisconsin.

As Florida State plods through a near-decade of mediocrity, other schools are enjoying an unprecedented turnaround with the infusion of enthusiastic and dedicated coaching staffs. As a long-time Alabama fan, I feel somewhat qualified to speak of the effects of longevity, the longing for the glory that once was, and the need for drastic change.

Not too long ago, Bama trudged through coaching troubles of its own. To be more specific, since Paul “Bear” Bryant was laid to rest (well, at least his body)

59 Years… And Counting

Kentucky Fans Put All Faith in One Basket(ball)

Kentucky fans were camped out this week, not for prime tailgating spots or to vie for seats in the student section of Commonwealth Stadium. Nope, they were waiting in line for basketball tickets. Can we really blame them? 1950 was a long time ago, and they won the SEC championship and national championship (though it was awarded decades later) that year, thanks to the coaching of a man by the name of Paul “Bear” Bryant.

Before he built a winning reputation at the University of Alabama, he did the same in the Bluegrass State. But even then, basketball was king. Leave it to Kentucky to choose one sport over the other instead of basking in the glory of both. Adolph Rupp was the leader of the basketball team, which also enjoyed great success during Bryant’s days there. But the gig was up for Bryant after

The Barry Bonds of College Football

The Houndstooth Wonder Still Stands Head and Shoulders Above

A topic enjoying some renewed interest as a result of NCAA infractions is the debate over the winningest coach in college football. Specifically, Florida State was charged with vacating 14 wins from its 2006-2007 season over ineligible players who were allowed to play. The Criminoles have filed an appeal, and may now accept scholarship reductions in order to help preserve the “legacy” of their coach.

The talking heads are worried that this could be a distraction for the ’09 season, or it could affect recruiting if the final ruling is announced in February. But of greatest concern, it seems, is how this will affect Bowden’s overall

Urban Meyer the SEC’s Next ‘Bear’? Never!

The One and Only Bear

The propaganda coming out of Florida is enough to make bulemics out of the strongest of us. Mike Bianchi, a writer for The Orlando Sentinel, has apparently been brainwashed into believing that Urban Meyer is worthy of being put in the same class as Bear Bryant. Sorry, Mike, there is only one Bear as I will explain below.

My thoughts after just reading the headline? Vomit, but I have a strong stomach, so, no. Jump to The Bear’s defense? Absolutely. Please, Mike, don’t insult the