well put, and like I said before, plays like the Mauck option. Crucial coaching calls, while still empowering his coordinaters makes him damn near the best coach I've seen short of a few pro-classics. He's the total package if you include game adjustments and recruiting. The players are heart in soul into it, and when Matt has his head up he can do no wrong. I think I saw Clayton smile in the end zone, that says it all.
I've been an LSU fan since I can remember (I was born in '71). I have always been diehard...no matter what. I've always stuck behind them. There's just something that gets you right in the heart when you hear the pre-game music...it's hard to explain. Last night when it was evident that UGA had no chance to mount any comeback, my eyes misted up. My wife (a Tennessee native) didn't understand that it wasn't just a game to me...it was something deeper. She watches the games with me and pulls for the Tigers, but for me it's something more. It dawned on me that something so unreal might happen this year...winning a national championship. Something I can tell my sons and one day grandchildren about. How you can stick with your team...be loyal and one days things might just work out. The right chemistry or whatever just clicks. I was one of the many Boy Scouts that ushered games in the '80s. It was so great to be inside Tiger Stadium and see the team...hear the band. Now, thanks to Coach Saban and his assistants, their families and most importantly those talented young men that take to the field, my pride is so big that I can't stop smiling. I wish I could personally shake the hands of every coach and player...starter, backup, scout team, etc...and express my heartfelt thanks for their sacrifice...for their dignified manner...for their work ethic. No matter what happens in the game that awaits us, this year is an unqualified success for the program and will reap benefits for many years in the way of exposure and recruiting. Skip...get out the checkbook and give Coach Saban whatever he wants. He's proven to be worth every penny he's being paid so far. And Coaches Fisher and Muschamp...well, they'll be needing checks, too. I'm proud to say that I am a lifelong LSU Tiger Fan...forever and always.
No doubt Saban has turned all this around. I was at LSU for the so called down years in the 90's, and seeing this team play the way they did against GA makes you feel very proud to be an LSU Tiger. I don't know how long we can hold onto Saban, but we need to enjoy these years, he has brought winning and national attention back to LSU.
Same here. I have lived and died with this team for a very long time. (I'm 35) Never got to experience the heady days of the '50s and 60s. Hard to even remember the Charlie Mac days due to my young age at the time, but I have been behind them for so long. This is a dream come true. The only other time I have ever felt this giddy was when LSU beat Miami in the CWS for the national title in 1996. Do you remember that? Bottom of the 9th, 2-run homer. We were down 8-7 and ended up 9-8. We had beaten Long Beach State that year, so the So. Cals were not very hospitable to me (I wathced that game in a sports bar in Long Beach). When the Tigers won the national championship, I went nuts in my apartment. Windows were open and wife was working (showing prospective resident an apartment) and I think I embarassed her! It was just a great thing. But in my heart, football has always been #1 and always will be. The anticipation of this game will be wonderful. I only wish that we were facing USC instead of OU to eliminate any real possibility of a split champion. Nevertheless, my many thanks goes out to Saban and staff. LSU football has had some tough times in recent memory. I am hopeful (and pretty confident) that we have turned that corner. It all starts with recruitment and ends up with player execution and coaching. Job well done. :geaux:
I remember the Cholly Mac days, even bear Bryant called him Cholly Mac. He holds a special spot in my memory of LSU football. Nick Saban has brought that magic back. God bless him and his family. The times we are in right now will be forever remembered Dearly by all as a golden time in LSU football. It is MORE than merely football. It is a way of life for these young players, teaching them life's lessons and preparing them for even more sucesses. Nick Saban will go down in LSU and NCAA football history as one of the all time best if not THE best for sure. Mr. Saban I salute you sir. Thank you!
ditto...!!!!!!! I cannot express my feelings as well as those already posted as I am not a wordsmith. I'm a Tiger Alumni, class of 69. I remember the 58 & 59 seasons as through a glass darkly, hoping upon hope to see those days return. Now, they seem to have come back. I think the 2003 Tigers are the best ever (so far), and will brutalize OU or who ever they face off in the Sugar Bowl. If I can witness another Tiger NC, I would be ready to go home to the Lord then as a satisfied Tiger. God Bless the Tigers, LSU, and all the Tiger Nation! GEAUX TIGERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
