If I wish a team would lose every game, they are not my rival, but my enemy. I have used the term Rival much too loosely in describing bama.

UGA is a rival. Though AU\UGA compete hard for players and position in the SEC, there is a sense of respect that permiates the relationship. A good portion of the credit goes to Vince Dooley. He looked out for UGA, as he should, but he is always an honorable man. I hope the current administration maintains his class.

Class... which leads me to AU\LSU. I related the particulars of my first AU\LSU game in an earlier thread. That game, like this past weekend, was an AU loss. I learned a lot about competition, class and dignity from both of the teams that played that day. AU's antics on the field of play in years past has not lived up to the standards set on that day in 1970. This past weekend was more in tune with what I expect from AU. It was a game in which both sides left it all on the field. I test you, and you test me. We both find what we are made of, and when it is over, we can look each other in the eye and acknowledge each other in a positive light.

My Rival brings out, no, forces me to be the best that I can be. I owe them no less, and expect no less from them. A rival helps me grow. And hopefully, I help them in a like manner. A rival is not about hate, but respect. Hopefully, AU\LSU turned the corner this year. I would look forward to having you as one of our biggest rivals.