Much as I hate to, gotta tip your hat to Bama, they came out ready to play. Yes we got jobbed some by the refs, but the guys in red & white obviously wanted it more, especially in the trenches when we were on offense. Bama ain't gonna give you much so when they do you gotta strike & we didn't. Our D played good considering they were backed up against a wall all night, although they had a couple goof ups. OL play and blocking in general (ex - Etienne) spoke for itself & it affected rest of offense. We just never got in rhythm. Spence, for all his troubles, was a bright spot. Fact of matter was we didn't give 4 quarters of best football to play and it cost us. & what hurts is we had a chance...even if we had only played our 2 best quarters after halftime, we probably could've won given it was only 10-6 @ half.
But as much as last night stung, the fact we were back in a position to play for the national title is a strong testament to where our program is at. Everyone had written us off after last year w/ all we lost to the NFL & graduation. Many pegged us as a 10 win team @ best and playing in the orange bowl while FSU or Miami would win the ACC and in the playoff. So to have 12 wins, 3rd straight ACC title, & 3rd CFP appearance...not bad for what was supposed to be a rebuilding year. & we have 1 of the best recruiting classes in the country coming in. We know we need to go get a few more guys (especially on OL) & still gotta see who might bolt early, but with only losing six seniors, getting the right guys in & hopefully keeping a few guys around another year will mean shouldn't be a drop off in talent or expectation. Here's hoping our coaching staff & players learn from last night, have a solid off-season, & are primed for another run at the CFP next year.
How right you are! I certainly didn't expect to be in the playoffs again this year. So proud of this team, the coaches, and our University. I don't like to lose either, but just remember, you have to be there to even have the chance to win or lose. Thank you Tigers for another great year. And all God's children said, "Go Tigers"!!!!!!!!
There are 127 other college football teams that would give anything to have had a chance to suit up in New Orleans last night, not to mention last year's championship and the game the year before. No one can win every game every year, great team or not. We do have a lot to be thankful for and I'm proud to be a tiger fan!