It may not be a fair question because they were each unique? 03-04 was they first one we'd won in 45 years, so that one was definitely special. I was in attendance at both and there were A LOT more OSU fans than OU fans in 04. This one was different because of the roller coaster ride of the season and all the drama. The the close games, the late season OT losses, UWV losing to put us in the game. For some reason, this one was/still is more exhilirating for me. I guess it because this one was unanimous and there was no split. On another note, how great is it to even be able to ask that question? Thoughts?
The one in 03-04 was probably more special to me because I never thought I'd see it, to be honest. For the program, though, I think this one may be more important.
I agree 100%. Growing up in the Hallman era, I was satisfied just when LSU would make it to a bowl under DiNardo, so when they won the National Title, it was like a dream come true. But in terms of the future of the program, this one is more important, because it lets everyone know that: 1. the 1st one wasn't a fluke. 2. Miles is the real deal 3. LSU is here to stay.
I was at the LSU vs. Oklahoma BCS Championship game. I was not at the LSU vs. OSU BCS Championship game. Of course, I wish the LSU vs. Oklahoma game meant more to me, being that it was the game I was at. However, the reality is that the LSU vs. Oklahoma game meant zero to me compared to the LSU vs Ohio State game. At the end of the 2003 regular season USC was the #1 team in the country in both the AP and the Coaches. Yet, we got stuck with #3 Oklahoma (who had just gotten blown out in the Big 12 Championship by Kansas State), while #1 USC played #4 Michigan (USC crushed Michigan). If the Coaches Poll hadn't committed to voting their #1 to the winner of the BCS game, I doubt that they would have put LSU at #1 in their final poll, being that, like the AP Poll, they had USC #1 going into the game. Fortunately for LSU, the Coaches Poll had committed to the BCS system, and it worked in LSU's favor, giving LSU an official NCAA-recognized split-championship along with USC (the only split-championship since the BCS began). This year, however, LSU was the true, undisputed National Champion. At the end of the 2007 regular season, both the AP and the Coaches had OSU #1 and LSU #2. Whoever won that game would have won both the AP and the Coaches. LSU won, and won its first undisputed NC since the late 50's. To me, this game vs. OSU was obviously much more meaningful than the game vs. Oklahoma -- which is unfortunate, because, like I said, I was at the game vs. Oklahoma, but I was not at the game vs. Ohio State.
The '03 was really special, but for me this one was better for several reasons. 1. It capped the single most exciting and most enjoyable football season I have ever seen -- and I was saying that about this season right through the Arkansas loss when I thought the National Championship was impossible. 2. Les Miles made the games (and the title game) much more fun than Saban had. 3. The '03 title felt like a chore in retrospect because Saban seemed so miserable about it. It looked like he was happy for about 5 seconds and then immediately descended to an attitude of "OK I'll put up with this ceremonial garbage and showing the trophy, but (a) I want to be in a film room, alone, by 2:00 AM and (b) how can I parlay this into more oney and a pro job" [remember he started flirting with the Bears right after the game, left for Miami after the next season]. 4. Hester and Dorsey are great players to watch. Entertainment value alone with those two made this title better for me. 5. '03 was our first title in a long time but this year we became the first team to win TWO BCS titles -- no one can ever match that or take it away.
Yes, this year was the most exciting and most enjoyable LSU football season I have ever seen as well, and I too, felt that same way after the Arkansas loss when, I too, felt the NC was impossible. And yes, I agree with your other points that Saban was more of a downer as an LSU coach, while Miles is more fun. Sure, Saban did a good job at LSU, and is a great coach, but I loved LSU more under Dinardo then I did under Saban. Saban was just too NFL-style for me (and I don't get into the NFL).
'03 was special to me because of the fact that I had never seen LSU win a championship to that point in my life... That said, I'm more excited about this one... It was the perfect end to what was probably the most exciting season I've ever seen.
IMO, The next championship is always better than the last one; for several reasons. The title in '03 was a terrific eye-opener to the country. The SEC title in '01 was a terrific starting point, and building block. This title makes us an elite program. One of the best 3-4 in the country. This title, and this season, opens doors for our program NATIONWIDE. IF/when we win another title in the next 3-5 years, can you imagine what that one would do for us??? Miami won 4 or 5 titles in a 14 or 15 year span, and were in the hunt several other years from the late 80's on. That's incredible. I don't think we're done winning titles (NC or SEC). I don't think we've seen the last 10 win+ season, and I don't think we've played in our last BCS Bowl game. I look forward to the future of Tigers football. :crystal: :champs: :crystal: :champs: :crystal:
