I was born in Tuscaloosa.  My mother grew up there, and my dad's family was from the Tuscaloosa area as well, although he was an Air Force brat and moved around quite a bit in his early years.  My entire family had at least a passing interest in Alabama football, but as a small child you can't really appreciate much about a 3+ hour football game.  My father was a bi-vocational Southern Baptist pastor while I was growing up, and between his two jobs we were obliged to move around some as well.  My parents both watched and enjoyed Alabama football games, which never seemed strange to me growing up.  Now though, I find it pretty interesting.

See, my father isn't a sports nut by any means.  He doesn't really enjoy any other sport than football.  He doesn't watch the NFL.  He will watch other SEC football teams, especially Auburn, mainly hoping that they lose.  My mother likes to talk about the team with me, sometimes asking questions, sometime telling me things she's heard.  She watches Alabama play, but she might get agitated when the games are close or if 'Bama isn't playing well.  Sometimes she gets too nervous to watch.  My parents both went to school at Alabama, but neither of them have been to a game in at least 15-20 years.  So I'm not really sure why Alabama football became an important part of their lives or mine.  Maybe it became a link back to Tuscaloosa when we moved away from family and friends.  Maybe it was a way of latching on to a cultural identity.  Maybe it was just a matter of cheering for their alma mater.  In any event, my first football memory happened over 30 years ago.

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From my blog http://noneyabusiness.blogspot.com

It wasn't easy. Alabama overcame an inspired comeback. Texas gave an heroic effort behind a freshman quarterback and an outstanding wide receiver. Alabama overcame two early turnovers. Texas intercepted a pass on a fake punt and inexplicably failed to field a short kickoff. Alabama overcame tons of history - the Heisman jinx, the underdog advantage, the 0-7-1 record against the Longhorns, and the fact that no coach in the modern era had ever won a national championship at two different schools. But Alabama did overcome, winning the 2009 BCS National Championship over the Texas Longhorns 37-21.

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Alabama (13-0, 8-0) - The Crimson Tide avenged last year's loss against the Gators in the SEC Championship game with a totally dominating performance. They have set themselves up to play for the team's 13th national championship against the Texas Longhorns as well as sweeping a number of postseason SEC accolades. Close wins over rivals Tennessee, LSU and Auburn made the season interesting, but the Tide took care of business, wrapping up an undefeated regular season and a 22nd SEC title.  Result: BCS Championship Game vs. Texas

Arkansas (7-5, 3-5) - Arkansas has improved as a team over last year, but the overtime loss to LSU put a bit of a damper on things. The Hogs had an opportunity to tie for second in the West, but had to settle for fourth. Quarterback Ryan Mallett was able to establish himself as (perhaps) the league's premier passer.  The Hogs need to work on defensive consistency in the off-season to establish themselves as contenders in the West.  Result: Liberty Bowl vs. East Carolina

Auburn (7-5, 3-5) - Auburn started on a hot streak, winning five in a row, but finished the regular season with a 2-5 slide.  The quality wins - over Ole Miss and Tennessee (as well as Big East power West Virginia) were somewhat balanced by inexplicable losses versus Kentucky and Georgia.  Still, the Tigers' strong showing against Alabama has Auburn fans looking forward to the future under Gene Chizik.  Result: Outback Bowl vs. Northwestern



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