*I'm still speed blogging due to my internet connection.
Over the 2009 football season, I have had a difficult time writing about the Crimson Tide. The losses in the 2008 season against Florida and then Utah, did something to me. The Tide was so close (the fans wanted it SO bad) and we watched a shot at the National Championship slip through our fingers.
It was heart breaking.
Now contrary to what you have read (or maybe, haven't read) on my blog this football season, the Crimson Tide was a part of my daily life from September 2009, on. It was more than just watching college football all day on Saturdays. I can't begin to tell you how many conversations about SEC football my husband and I have had over the past few months. I read newspaper articles and listened to sports radio. And yet, I couldn't bring myself to PUBLISH the posts that I DID WRITE about football. I wound up deleting them and keeping my thoughts - my joy over every win, my frustration with some of the games, my disgust with the media hype over a certain watery eyed Quarterback (whom I absolutely ADORE... now) - most of those thoughts I kept from my blog.
Why?
Sometimes, when you want something so bad, you are only able to hunker down and keep it to yourself.
After last year's ultimate loss, we told ourselves "It's OK. This wasn't supposed to be our year anyway. Give Saban time to do what he is trying to do. It'll happen." All of these things were true but there wasn't anything in those statements to wash the taste of regret from our mouths. And this is just a fan's perspective - how much worse was it for the guys who had blood, sweat, and tears invested in the game? Suddenly, we understood how much can be lost when you really have hope. We were reminded that with football, it can be any body's game. The Tide fan base kept up its support and pride for our team while quietly carrying any burden of regret. We wore our fan gear, put decals on our cars, attended the Spring game in droves, and we knew in our hearts, "Our time is GONNA come."
And it did.
Last night the number one ranked Alabama Crimson Tide beat the Texas Longhorns 37-21 resulting in The University of Alabama's THIRTEENTH National Championship title. You HAVE to know how happy I am today. The Bama Nation is elated and the state of Alabama is a fun place to be.
However.... Nick Saban appears to have an attitude of 'Give me more than a win - give me the best that you've got' and it has influenced this fan. We won, we have the National Championship, but...
I sobbed for Colt McCoy.
I am thrilled that we won the game but I wanted the Tide to beat McCoy out right. My heart breaks that a wonderful young man was denied the chance to play in possibly the biggest game of his career. When Colt McCoy's shoulder was injured, some of the sparkle went out of the game (I say this with a certain amount of guilt because I don't want to take ANYTHING away from our boys in Crimson).
I think my bitter sweet attitude comes from number one, being a girl, and number two, understanding how important this game was to each of the young men on the field. This was an experience that the players from both teams will carry with them for the rest of their lives. They will tell their children and grandchildren about it. Thank goodness the players for the Crimson Tide will have a ring to show when they tell the story.
Congratulations to the University of Alabama. And thank you guys - I'm ALWAYS proud to be a Tide fan but today, it... Feels. So. Good.
*Hey, check that out. My connection held up! It truly is a good day :)
31 comments:
I will be a little bit happy for the tide but very very happy for you and yours......
When I have a problem with the internet and especially when we are on a ship at $.50 per minute I do my post in windows live writer (free download) open the internet and hit publish.
I don't follow sports, but I'm very glad you're happy today. That's because I like you a lot. Just saying.
Have a terrific day. Big hug. :)
I know what you mean. I was afraid if I wrote too much, I'd jinx it. And I know what you mean about McCoy. But, today...was a very good day!
I'm happy if your happy!
I thought of you last night. Glad they won. I was rooting for them.
Jen, what a class act Colt is, and we were so devastated he was out of the game. We too wanted to win without ANY of the "what ifs" As the sister of a GREAT extremely talented football player taken out of his prime with a career ending injury, my heart sank when they said he was out of the game. I always said Colt was as much if not more of an example of a leader than Tebow. I think he surpassed him on EVERY level last night. I always nod when one gives glory to God in victory, but rare it is when they glorify him even in the face of injury, disappointment and defeat. GLORY TO GOD!! Colt also held back his tears of emotion like a leader should. Tebow should have done that in private with his team. Anyway, that is my rant today as well. LOL I couldn't be HAPPIER! We have a class program, Coach and team. ROLL TIDE
I was just a yelling and screaming when they scored! I had to tone it down when the girls went to bed. My DH and I had the same convo about McCoy - wishing he was able to play so the Tide could beat them without the "what ifs".
Hugs coming your way from snowy Illinois!!
Happy Frackin'Dance!!! They DID it!!! I am also a very happy girl today for I so love the Tide and have for many years. Jen, as an Alabaman (I hope that is the right word..lol) I am beyond happy for you! I know how long you have been waiting for this. Congratulations to your team and your great state!
Hugs and Blessing,
Kimmie
I hated to see Colt go out too. He is a superb player. But I don't think Texas could have beat Bama. I think Bama would have risen to the occassion to conquer whatever had been thrown their way.
I can so relate. I feel like its my fault the Saints stopped winning because I posted that rah rah for the Saints blog. Silly I know.
I was not sure I would be able to stand to watch the game after that miserable first quarter.
I too was sorry to see Colt McCoy hurt, but was so excited to have my the TIDE ROLL over Texas.
woooohooo!
Rose
I watched the end of the game last night (highly unusual for me, I know) but I was thinking of you! Congrats!!
AND yes, the kid on the Texas team that got hurt: my heart went out to him & I was beyond impressed with his composure, his good sportsmanship, his grace, his faith. He's a true class act.
Hello, my sweet Bama friend!
We understand your celebration... you deserve it, too! We're on the flip side - living with the "what if" thoughts but still extremely proud of our boys and especially Colt. I hope he has a successful pro career ahead of him yet.
So, Jen... only for YOU... I'll say it just this once: ROLL TIDE!
HIs interview was so sad, I just felt so sad for him and not being able to play.
Congrats in the win though!
Well it can be said..Texas is a BIG place with even BIGGER hearts ;) There are many many here who are just as happy for you all!
Congrats Bama Girl..and enjoy this win cause our newest UT~QB is not going to let that happen again ;)
I knew you would win - - - I think I told you so the other day. I was pulling for you and sooooo happy to see it happen, though your boys did scare the PEE out of me in the first quarter with all those "non" receptions.
Now - - - since you have gotten to feel the joy of victory, you can empathize with those of us who have never been able to GET there with our teams. My little beloved Badgers gave us a thrilling Bowl Victory over the Miami 'Canes - - - - but it was NOT a national title.
I'm still waiting to see how that feels - - - - -
In the mean time, I savor every little win along the way - - -
ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!
I love your blog and the CRIMSON TIDE. I live in the Pacific Northwest and they just don't get it here. After 10 years, my absolute love of all things BAMA is beginning to rub off on these "moss backs". Or perhaps they have decided that I am totally nuts and they better play along just to stay safe. I do wish we were home in Alabama to celebrate with the fans there. Keep blogging and ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!
I LOVE ME SOME CRIMSON TIDE!!!!
Went out at midnight. Stood in line.
Long, long line.
Freezing. Frigid.Cold.
Got my BCS 2009 UA shirt.
Roll Tide!
Sweet dreams.
Honey, it's got nothing to do with being a girl. I ached for McCoy last night and I ache for him today.
I didn't have a dog in the show. I wanted to see Ingram and I wanted to see McCoy. I wanted to see if Texas had figured out how to best that 'Bama defense. And I wanted to see McElroy just do his thing as "the other QB" on the field.
But congrats anyway on a great win. And I promise not to mention that other 14-0 team that plays on a funky blue field and got ranked #4 behind a couple of teams that each lost a game this season.
Dangit! I said I wasn't going to mention those guys. Sorry!
**wink**
It's good to see a post from you, no matter how you get it done :) Congrats Dust Bunny!!! I know you are on cloud 13! :)
I appreciate your honesty. I am not a fan of any college team; I enjoy watching the games. I watched the whole game and in the end decided that your team didn't play the best that Texas had to offer. UA's defense was probably not strong enough to undo Colt McCoy's skill and vision. Well, life is hard sometimes. It's real hard for McCoy and his Center, but...
That sub QB will be a threat on any field he steps on. He got baptized real good last night. I'll bet his folks are real proud of him, too.
I'm not a big football fan, but when I think about the Tide, I think of you. Congrats on the win!
Sharing in the celebration with you!! Roll Tide!!
And many best wishes to any player who gives it his all and then credits God for his successes!!
You reeeely like football!
I had no horse in this race, and did not pay attention, but the next morning I thought of you and needed to know who won. Congratulations. I am a sports fan too, and I know the good feelings that come with a winning team, and also what it can do for the whole city or state or region.
I do try to retain a perspective. Athletic contests are, after all, a form of entertainment. Hopes can be dashed, or upheld. Someone wins and someone loses. And then we continue on with real life.
ROLL TIDE ROLL YEAH BABY!!!!
Congratulations to the Crimson Tide. I know you wanted this real bad, and you've held it in for so long. Even with the injury to McCoy, it has to feel good.
Being a die hard Phillies fan, I know you live and die with your team.
Enjoy!
I had the exact same feelings-Elation that the Tide won!
But I too was saddened for Colt. I can imagne how hard it was for not only him but his team to lose like that. BUt, like you I am a girl. My husband said, "DOnt feel sorry-he'll be making millions very soon". Spoken like a man. Hmm, grrrr. But Colt, a class act. And I feel the same about that watery eyed QB too. Class.
ROLL TIDE BABY!
My cousin gets a ring!~ When I see him I will be sure to get the pics! WIll you come up for the parade?
Roll Tide Roll!
At our house we were really sad for McCoy too but Gilbert did a nice job for his team and that had to be really nice for him to get in that game.
All the best wishes to McCoy!
And RTR!!!
I know Im a little late!!!!
BUT>>>>>>
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!
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