Set up by an excellent punt return by Marquis Maze, the Alabama Crimson Tide had some of the best field position they are likely to enjoy in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game against LSU. And, just as in their loss to the Tigers in November, the Tide stalled in the red zone, and had to settle for a field goal to make the game 3-0.
SI.com: Live LSU-Alabama box score
A.J. McCarron found Darius Hanks on a 16-yard pass to open the drive and set the Tide up in a goal-to-go situation, but an incomplete pass and a Trent Richardson run for no gain left Alabama in third and long, and McCarron's third pass to Brad Shelley on the night didn't get the Tide into the end zone.
The good news: Jeremy Shelley, who struggled throughout the Tide's 9-6 loss in Tuscaloosa, nailed the 23-yard field goal to stake Alabama to an early 3-0 lead.
For more on the 2012 BCS National Championship Game, visit LSU blog And the Valley Shook, Alabama blog Roll Bama Roll and SEC blog Team Speed Kills.