The Third Saturday in October

Or it used to be anyway. For many years growing up the third Saturday in October was all about the "Class Rival" Tenneessee Volunteers and the Alabama Crimson Tide Then a few years ago they said we couldn't do the "Rammer Jammer" cheer. (Found at the bottom of this page as it isn't anywhere online.) Then they changed the date of the game to the fourth Saturday - it just wasn't the same. Then they moved it back to third, and this year back to the fourth. It just isn't the same.

Well, this year was worse. This year the truth has started coming out about Alabama's probation. Seems Coach Phil FUlmer of the Tennessee Vols, had a little to do with it. This has added to the normal level of this rivalry. This should also be the year for us to beat them at Tenneessee.

Now comes the real purpose of this blog. A few weeks ago, we lost first string quarterback Brody Croyle to an ACL injury. Then lost the second string quarterback to a back injury. So now we are starting the third string guy - Chad Pennington. A junior with only a little experience. Now, had we had Brody, we probably would be 8-0 right now. But we don't. And, for the first time I understand what is meant by "There are no moral victories in football." Almost doesn't count. Pennington made a rookie mistake that cost us a touchdown towards the end of the game. And then, with 46 seconds left, through an interception straight to the guy in orange. Not to mention we fumbled on the opening drive that they picked up and ran in for a touchdown. Those 3 mistakes made all the difference in the game. Tennessee won 17-13. If even one of those mistakes hadn't happened, it would have been a win. Now many people will say, we hung in there, it wasn't a rout, etc. Who cares. We should be 8-0. Now, Pennington get it together and win.

RAMMER JAMMER
Hey Auburn (or whoever) Hey Auburn
We're gonna beat the hell out of you.
Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer
Give 'em hell Alabama!