Game of the Century: How LSU Beat Alabama 9-6 in Tuscaloosa
Updated: 16 hours ago
There were no touchdowns. There didn't need to be.
On November 5, 2011, No. 1 LSU walked into Bryant-Denny Stadium to face No. 2 Alabama in perhaps the most anticipated regular-season game in SEC history. More than 101,000 people packed the stadium. Three hours later, LSU walked out still No. 1.
Quick answer
No. 1 LSU beat No. 2 Alabama 9-6 in overtime in Tuscaloosa in the 2011 Game of the Century. Relive Eric Reid's interception, Brad Wing's punt and Drew Alleman's winner.
LSU 9. Alabama 6. Overtime.
No. 1 against No. 2
The matchup was the first regular-season game in SEC history featuring the nation's No. 1 and No. 2 teams. Both were undefeated, both had championship-caliber defenses, and the winner would take control of the SEC West and national title race.
Alabama kept getting chances
Alabama created scoring opportunities but repeatedly came away empty. The Crimson Tide missed four field-goal attempts in the game. LSU's defense kept the Tide out of the end zone and the score stayed 6-6 late.
Eric Reid changes the game
Late in the fourth quarter, Alabama attacked deep. Eric Reid and tight end Michael Williams fought for the ball near the goal line. Reid came away with the interception, one of the defining defensive plays of LSU's season.
Brad Wing flips the field
LSU's next possession did not score, but Brad Wing unleashed a 73-yard punt that completely changed field position in a game where every yard mattered.
Overtime
Alabama had the ball first. Sam Montgomery sacked AJ McCarron, and Alabama's 52-yard field goal attempt missed. LSU suddenly needed only points.
Michael Ford nearly ended the game on a run to the 7-yard line. LSU centered the ball, and Drew Alleman kicked a 25-yard field goal.
LSU 9, Alabama 6.
Why the game feels different now
At the time, it felt like LSU had settled the question. The Tigers had gone into Alabama and beaten Alabama. But the BCS later created a rematch, changing the emotional meaning of this night forever.
Whatever happened two months later, November 5 still belongs to LSU. The Tigers walked into Tuscaloosa, faced the No. 2 team in America and won.
FAQ
When was the Game of the Century? November 5, 2011.
What was the final score? LSU 9, Alabama 6 in overtime.
Who kicked the winner? Drew Alleman made the 25-yard game-winning field goal.
Sources: LSU Athletics official 2011 game recap and LSU football record books.
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