Late in the 4th quarter Alabama had the ball inside their own 10-yard line and had at least 60 yards to drive and then hope that Adam Griffith would not disappoint and would win the game with a field goal and give ‘Bama Nation an opportunity to celebrate a 13-10 victory in Death Valley.
However, the “tide” turned when T.J. Yeldon fumbled the ball on the 6-yard line with only 1:13 seconds remaining in the game. Alabama Nation was extremely disappointed, thinking that their season was over. However, a sure touchdown became an unsure touchdown when LSU offensive lineman Vadal Alexander was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. The penalty moved the ball back to the 21-yard line. The Alabama defense stood strong as they had for most of the night. They only gave up 259 yards for the entire game. On 4th down, LSU trotted their field goal kicker on the field. Colby Delahoussaye’s lined up for a 39-yard field goal and made it with ease that gave LSU a 13-10 lead with 50 seconds left. The crowd roared and the Facebook news feeds and Twitter accounts filled with angry Alabama fans that could not believe that their season was over.
Following the field goal, LSU sent out their kickoff specialist, Trent Domingue. His job was to make sure that Alabama would not get a return. Well, that was ensured, then the kick went out of bounds and the Crimson Tide received the ball on the 35-yard line. The LSU defense delighted the crowd all night with their great defense and their ability to hold Sims, Yeldon and Cooper in check most of the night. However, on the last drive of the 4th quarter, Sims was able to move the ball down the field and was able to find Christion Jones and DeAndrew White to set up Griffith with a 27-yard field goal at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime.
In overtime, Alabama scored a touchdown and their defense secured the victory. Alabama escaped Death Valley with a 20-13 win in overtime and have kept their playoff hopes alive. Even though they look like they may still be on the outside looking in on the playoff picture, they will easily break through if they secure wins against Mississippi State, Auburn and the SEC championship game.
So, at the end of the day and the end of the season, it may be said that “the kick” that went out of bounds saved the season for Alabama. Imagine that, all the plays that occurred during the season and everyone may refer to “the kick” when ‘Bama lifts the championship trophy over their head in January.
