Chris Stewart Sports

As I sit here watching an INCREDIBLY improved Wendell Hudson-coached women's basketball team (this group couldn't even catch the ball half the time last season), I've wrapped up my broadcast of men's basketball. However, my mind is still on Atlanta and what might have been for the incredibly gritty Alabama football team.

We had a grown man cry on the post game show last night. I mean out right BAWLING over the Tide's 31-20 loss to Florida in the SEC Championship Game. 

My first thought was, "Come on, Dude....get a grip!". Then I remembered back to my days as a kid, when, on those rare occasions, a Bear Bryant-led Tide team would drop a game. I cried like crazy. 

The fact is, losing still hurts. I hate it. And it's that passion from the fans, players, and coaches that makes it the best thing going in college football.   

Yet, there should be absolutely nothing but pride felt by the Bama Nation today. Not contentment, or even satisfaction. But pride in the fact that a group of young men, picked no better than third in their division, came within minutes of winning the league crown and earning a shot to play for a 13th national title.

What's more, they did it with hard work, guts, class, and a desire to put Alabama Football back in it's rightful place - among the nation's elite.

Job well done.

A better perfomance from basketball...

Alabama's win today over Louisiana was not one that will earn them any votes in the AP or coaches poll. However, it makes me feel better about this squad. They turned a tight game midway through the second half into a 17-point victory.

Mark Gottfried's teams have been criticized often over the years for their lack of defense. Today, however, the Tide held UL without a field goal for 11:30 down the stretch. Senario Hillman and Alonzo Gee took turns taking over offensively during that span, as both finished with 18 points.

The next game is a big one. Texas A&M comes in Saturday night at 7, having lost just once on the season. Final exams are this week for the players academically, but this will be a major test at the end of the week, as well. The Tide needs a win over a potential NCAA Tournament team if it wants to be considered one, as well.