Champs!

As we walk in through the gates, all we saw was orange and blue! People were scurrying to their seats via concessions and souvenirs stands...which were all ridiculously over- priced!..but we joined in anyway.

As we were riding the escalator up to our section, people were leading Auburn cheers and yelling "War Eagle". The AU Family was definitely "All In" and we were ready to see a ballgame! Here was the view from our seats. Not bad--although, I can't remember the last time I sat in the upper deck at an Auburn game. And yes...I'm spoiled. Thanks Mom and Dad for your gracious 47 yard line, 17 rows up behind the team season tickets. They made this "upper deck night" possible. I wouldn't have traded these seats for anything...and believe me...I could have!
Here's a shot of the coin toss from the big screen near us. That's Bo Jackson in the white hat representing Auburn. Ahmad Rashad was representing Oregon. Sidenote: Yes--Claire Huxtable's real-life ex-husband was there--The Cosby Show happens to be one of my favorite comedy shows of all time--I have the complete DVD box set--just so you know that I have other interest besides Auburn football. :) Oregon called "tails" and won the toss. They wanted to receive first, so I was glad we would get the ball first at the beginning of the third quarter. Here we were just before kick-off (nice...hold-your-arm-out-as-far-as-you-can-and-take-your-own-pic picture). As you can see, we both look a little "giddy". We just couldn't believe we were about to watch this happen. Auburn playing for a National Championship was as good as it would get in my "sports world".
Without giving you too much of a play-by-play, I decided to include the scoreboard as it changed throughout the game. Oregon scored first--a field goal...and then Cam Newton and Kodi Burns connected for 6! I was so excited for Kodi! He's been through many ups and downs as an Auburn Tiger, but has always had a great attitude. In my opinion, he truly deserved the recognition that night. Nice call Gus! I approved!
This score was after Oregon scored a touchdown and then faked the PAT for a 2-point conversion. However, we backed them inside the 1 yard line and the defense tackled for a safety...a 2 point conversion! You know what they say, "Defense wins championships." Yes they do!
After a defensive battle in the 3rd quarter, Oregon came back in the 4th quarter and scored a touchdown. They had to convert the 2 point play to tie it. So, that's what the picture shows. A tied ballgame. At this point, I couldn't decide if I was going to cry or throw-up. Intense doesn't describe it. Marc is thankful I didn't throw-up.
But, my Tigers didn't panic (unlike this life-long fan)...they just did what they had been doing all season...which is giving their fans a heart attack! Seriously...the last two minutes were insane! Wow Michael Dyer! It will be fun watching #5 for the next couple of years. And good ol' Wes Byrum...our clutch kicker (still remember stopping at a restaurant on I-10 to watch him win that Florida game---twice!!) kicked it through the uprights to bring home a National Title to "The Loveliest Village on the Plains"!
So..instead of throwing-up, I burst into tears when it was all said and done. WOW! Here is a picture of the winning moment...we were over.the.top! BCS National Champions 2010- We are #1! Finally!!
After the game, we stayed in the stadium for the next 2 hours soaking it all in. We went down to the field where ESPN was wrapping up their coverage of the game. It was great to be with other Auburn fans yelling "War Eagle" and chanting "It's great to be an Auburn Tiger!"Here's a shot of Herbie...Friend or foe when it comes to my Tigers? Who knows? I guess that's why he has had this gig for so long. But was complimentary of our team...especially our defense. But really--how could you NOT give our defense the credit for this win?!
The parting shot...and a great moment! The scoreboard with the players passing around "The Coaches' Trophy". That will be a nice addition to our Athletic Museum to enjoy! It will be fun to visit with our kids some day and tell them we were there!
I will say this blog post does not do the experience justice. It was a culmination of so many memories and moments as an Auburn fan. I've loved Auburn for as long as I can remember. Too me, it will always be more than a place that carries a National Championship title. But for now, that's what we'll celebrate!
WAR EAGLE!