Replay

A number of college football's best rivalry games come at the end of the season, and on Thanksgiving weekend in particular. Last night, the Aggies played their big rivalry game against Texas (who play their biggest rivalry game against OU in October). Today, many miles to the east, the SEC version of Aggies vs Longhorns was televised: Alabama (11-0) against their archrival Auburn (7-4). Alabama is ranked second in the BCS standings, between Florida and Texas, and like the longhorns last night, had all they could handle in a game that was too close for comfort. They came from behind late in the 4th quarter to win 26-21.

Based on my observation of both games, Alabama seems to have a saltier defense than Texas, but isn't quite as explosive on offense. Auburn is a better all-around team than A&M, and was a more rugged opponent for the Tide than the Aggies were for the horns. If 'bama faces Texas in the BCS title game, it'll probably be a low-scoring affair. Playing in the SEC, Alabama has been tested far more rigorously than the longhorns, whose schedule this season has been embarrassingly soft thanks to the decline of OU and all the North teams. Plus, to get to the BCS game, Alabama will have to beat Florida, a potential victory far more impressive than anything Texas has accomplished this year.

To be frank, standing around watching Texas preparing to celebrate the national championship is enough to gag a maggot --- and I've had as much Colt McCoy hype as I can stomach. I'm ready to see somebody pound a bloody hole in Texas, and if Alabama is the one that does it, they'll rapidly become one of my new favorite teams.