Let' be honest because I will be. I opined on these pages many months ago that this would be hardcore rebuild year in Tiger Town and predicted a 6-6 record with a slim chance at 7-5. Looking back at several August sports journals even many so called sports experts were in the same range of wins with more than a few predicting the first losing record in almost 20 years. The Tigers lost a ton last year to the NFL, as is the case every year, and the question marks were huge around several key positions, mostly QB. But, there is always the reason they play the game.
When LSU spanked Miami in game 1 heads were turned; of course at that time no one realized that Miami was so overrated. When LSU took out Auburn in dramatic fashion, there were a few more climbing on board the LSU bandwagon. And then came Georgia. The way LSU manhandled then #2 Georgia was it; everyone was now in awe of these rebuilding Tigers. Yes there would be the lethargic effort at Florida and the annual butt-whipping from Alabama but lo and behold on November 24th LSU was poised for regular season victory #10, already overachieving at win #9.
Fast forward because the game is too painful to relive. I'll say it once, LSU was cheated not once but four times by one of the most inept and potentially corrupt SEC officiating crews in a long history of SEC officiating corruption. LSU won the game at the point of the interception that should have sealed the deal at 31-24, then again at the mystery clocking of the ball as A&M was lined up illegally, both enough to run the clock to zero but not last night, not in College Station with the officials fully aware of their mission. Oh don't forget, LSU also won the game when the Aggie TE clearly fumbled a pass in OT but somehow this was called incomplete and then their was no review. None.
By the time A&M converted the 2 point conversion to "win" the game everyone was amazed that we witnessed a 74-72 game played out over 7 OT's. I was not. Being a banker who trains well, I realized we had witnessed a first class armed robbery.
9-3, being the final result on 2018, is something LSU nation should be very thankful for. It was not supposed to be that way. Yet, my fear is last night's debacle will taint the great season. I hope we don't let it, although it's plenty understandable if you are still mad as hell.
LSU will get a chance at redemption and a 10th victory in a bowl game somewhere down the road. Not yet discussed is how much last nights robbery will cost LSU. The bowl options will not be nearly as strong as a New Years Day 6 and the money will be less, much less. Once again, the ill effects of a robbery prove costly.
For me it's too early to do anything but to be happy and proud of LSU's overall season and still too adversely impacted by last night's crime. I will get over it though. This is just one tiny but important part of my life as a sports fan and an LSU fan. This game won't impact life as I know it or ministry as I embrace it. Maybe because I am Catholic clergy I'm more sensitive to injustice and I, along with all of you, clearly witnessed one such injustice last night.
Still, forever LSU and always, Geaux Tigers!
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