Alabama Crimson Tide, Auburn Tigers, College Sports, J.R. Tidwell, Sports, Sports Columnists
 By  J.R. Tidwell Published 
5:56 am Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Alabama wins title game

Alabama did it. They beat LSU bad enough that critics wouldn’t start crying co-champs.

In my estimation, one of the two teams actually showed up for the National Championship game ready to play for a trophy.

In case you don’t know which one I mean, let’s just say that team wasn’t wearing purple and gold.

The Crimson Tide came out with a great strategy — prevent LSU from scoring, and we will eventually. That is exactly what happened.

I spent the game sitting in between two Alabama fans that were nervous the entire game.

I was the exact same way last year when Auburn beat Oregon.

I came into the room and made a deal with them; if they didn’t badmouth Auburn, I wouldn’t say anything disparaging against Bama.

It was a win-win for me — my only concern was the Coaches’ Trophy staying in the SEC. I didn’t really care who won.

Alabama won with a shutout, the first since Tom Osborne was leading an unstoppable Nebraska team in the early ‘90s.

Like my brother said that night, all LSU had to do was not get blown out and they would have a decent chance at being named a co-champ if nothing else.

The problem was, the Bayou Bengals defied history and were defeated for the first time in a bowl game in New Orleans.

On a side note, one of my friends was curious about why New Orleans is called “The Big Easy.” One popular theory is that the city was one big speakeasy during Prohibition. Makes sense to me. Also, another name for a speakeasy was a blind tiger. Coincidence LSU? Yeah, I know they’re in Baton Rouge. So what?

As much as I hate to admit it, the Crimson Tide team that played Monday night was without a doubt the best team in the country at any point this season, so give them the trophy.

At least that makes three championships in a row for Alabama schools. Now if only Auburn can keep the trend going next season.

Four-peat anyone?

Also on Franklin County Times
Dowdy sentencing delayed due to medical emergency
News, Russellville, Z - News Main
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The sentencing of Brandy Dowdy will have to wait until another day after her defense attorney suffered a “medical emergency” on Tuesday...
Legislative session opens Jan. 13; Kiel prefiles 2 bills
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE -- State Rep. Jamie Kiel has prefiled two bills ahead of the 2026 Alabama legislative session. The bills, which will be considered when l...
Hollimon reflects on 40 years in education
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE – Dr. Deanna Hollimon always felt she was called to be an educator. After 40 years as a teacher, reading coach, administrator and educati...
Firefighters train for vehicle rescues
News, Russellville, Z - News Main
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — City firefighters trained last week on how to stabilize overturned vehicles and remove trapped occupants. Fire Chief Joe Mansell said t...
Neighbors helping neighbors, one soda pop tab at a time
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
January 7, 2026
Most people don’t think twice about the small aluminum tab on top of a soda can. But those tiny pieces of metal have quietly helped families stay clos...
2025: A year of results for Alabama families
Columnists, Opinion
January 7, 2026
The past year has certainly been a memorable one — and, more importantly, a rewarding one. Beginning the year by leading the Laken Riley Act through t...
Author’s collapse was motivation for comeback
News
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
When Pete Key collapsed on the bathroom floor in 2024, it didn’t feel like a turning point. It felt like an ending. He had been sick for days — dehydr...
Phil Campbell’s Elliott hits 1,000th career point
High School Sports, Phil Campbell Bobcats, Sports
Bart Moss For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
The Phil Campbell Bobcats kicked off the 2026 calendar year in style Saturday night, securing a decisive 54-37 victory over the visiting Belgreen Bull...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *