In 1969, psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross developed the Five Stages of Grief, based on the five emotions people experience during the grieving process. 228 days ago, Alabama, on a late touchdown, defeated Auburn 27-24.
That brutal loss, coupled with Alabama’s subsequent CFP run sits on the mind, heart and nerve of many of the Auburn Tigers faithful. Yet, through all of that, the grieving process needs to end and that game needs to evaporate from the minds of millions. Granted, the ceaseless ribbing from Tide fans will continue to annoy, but that loss should not define this or following seasons. Let’s focus on three emotions.
Yes, fourth-and-31 should end the game. Everyone knew that the Tide needed a touchdown to take the lead. However, some of the anger remains a bit misplaced. While the secondary inexplicably allowed Isaiah Bond to wriggle away while Jalen Milroe built a cottage with the time he enjoyed in the pocket, the offense needs this vitriol.
For eight minutes and eighteen seconds, the Tigers drove seventy-two yards to the Alabama four-yard-line. Hugh Freeze decided to settle for a field goal when a touchdown probably ices the game. If Alabama still scores, the score knots at twenty-seven.
Then, Auburn receives the ensuing kickoff, kneels and takes its chances to overtime. Playing too tight on offense cost Auburn that day. Too many want to focus on the defensive failure, but the offense’s reluctance to take risk ultimately cost the team that game.
