Many figured it would be a dogfight and that’s exactly what it was. No. 1 Alabama escaped Baton Rouge with a 27-21 overtime victory against No. 15 LSU on Saturday. The Tigers forced overtime after blocking a chip shot field goal that would have given the Tide a 24-21 victory at the end of regulation had it gone through the uprights. Then following an interception on LSU’s first and only crack in overtime, John Parker Wilson scored the game-winning touchdown on a QB sneak.
This was a huge win for ‘Bama for so many obvious reasons. First and foremost, the victory allows them to stay in the top ranked spot and with Penn State losing in Iowa, possibly gives them insurance down the road, too. But even more importantly, Nick Saban’s team proved it could beat a quality opponent on the road and do so while playing four quarters. The Tide have struggled putting complete games together this season, but after falling behind 14-7 in the first quarter to LSU, they never panicked or folded.
Things aren’t all good for Alabama, however. The blocked field goal has to be a major concern considering they missed two field goals in the narrow win over Ole’ Miss earlier this year and one more in Baton Rouge before the game-winning attempt. The Tide should roll past Mississippi State next week and then face rival Auburn before playing in the SEC Championship Game, but one has to wonder if this kicking situation will eventually doom them in the very near future. They play a ton of close games and having a reliable kicker in college football is worth its weight in gold.
But for now, ‘Bama can breathe a sigh of relief after beating LSU in a rough environment. Not only that, but Saban actually made it out of Baton Rouge alive, which is certainly a place considering that was his first trip there since spurning the Tigers for the NFL a few years ago.
