Tide Tidbits - November 9, 2008

Alabama intercepts LSU's upset bid
Each time it seemed LSU had a chance to extend a lead or take the lead and the momentum against Alabama Saturday, those efforts were intercepted. Literally. The Crimson Tide defense — led by safety Rashad Johnson, who picked off a school record-tying three passes by LSU quarterback Jarrett Lee — used four interceptions to pave the way to a 27-21 overtime victory at Tiger Stadium to clinch the SEC Western Division title.

Baton Rouge painted crimson by Saban, Tide
The wife of the man at the center of an only-in-the-SEC emotional maelstrom clutched the arm of a friend, tears in her eyes. She appeared totally drained. "What a hard-fought game," she exhaled. When Saban finished his postgame news conference in a comically packed room, a woman in the back in a houndstooth skirt and matching handbag changed her breathing. Terry Saban exhaled and said, "Yessss." In an almost empty stadium where he once was king, Nick Saban stood on the 2-yard line and taped his Sunday coach's show with a Birmingham TV host. On the chest of his white shirt was a scarlet letter A. He wore it proudly.

Saban, Alabama edge LSU
With a heavy police escort, Nick Saban returned to Tiger Stadium wearing crimson. He barely got out of town with Alabama still unbeaten and No. 1. After the Crimson Tide missed a chip-shot field goal on the final play of regulation, John Parker Wilson scored on a 1-yard sneak in overtime to give Alabama a 27-21 victory over No. 15 LSU yesterday, clinching a spot in the Southeastern Conference championship game.

Rashad Johnson leads Alabama past LSU, into the SEC Championship Game
The Crimson Tide squanders some opportunities early, has a field goal blocked at the end of regulation, then wins in overtime behind Rashad Johnson's third interception, a great catch by Julio Jones and a 1-yard touchdown run by John Parker Wilson.

Roll Tide!