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Alabama Football: A Tie Is Like Kissing Your Sister – 10 Crimson Tide Tie Games

By Ronald Evans

Sep 10, 2016; Bristol, TN, USA; Fans gather around the College Gameday set prior to the Battle at Bristol football game between the Virginia Tech Holies and Tennessee Volunteers at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Bristol, TN, USA; Fans gather around the College Gameday set prior to the Battle at Bristol football game between the Virginia Tech Holies and Tennessee Volunteers at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Alabama Football – Baton Rouge, LA – Nov. 9, 1985

Alabama 14 – LSU 14

When the Alabama football team stepped on the field in Tiger Stadium in 1985, it had been16 years since the Tide had lost in Baton Rouge. During that interval, LSU had won three times in Birmingham but Tiger Stadium seemed to regularly bring out the best In Alabama football.

Alabama football finished the 1984 season with a disappointing 5-6 record. Heading to Baton Rouge in 1985, the Crimson Tide was 6-2, having lost by a total of four points to Penn Sate and Tennessee.

After a few tough seasons, LSU coach Bill Arnsparger was in his second season quickly rebuilding LSU football. The Tigers had gone 8-3-1 in 1984 and leading into the 1985 Tide game, the LSU record was 5-1.

Most college football fans who have witnessed a Bengal Tiger game in Baton Rouge admit the crowd intensity is beyond anything, anywhere else in college football. Frankly, the Tiger Stadium atmosphere is incomparable.

Alabama trailed 14-7 late in the fourth quarter. The Tide’s only touchdown had come from a 33 yard run by Gene Jelks. Tide quarterback Mike Shula led a late comeback using his arm and his feet. On a 4th and 19, Shula connected with Al Bell, for 29 yards, down to the LSU two yard-line. With 1:24 left in the game, Shula scored from the LSU two, by catching a pass thrown by Gene Jelks.

LSU marched down the field, getting the ball to the Tide’s eight-yard line before choosing to kick a field goal for the win.

The LSU kicker had already missed two field goals in the game. His 24-yard attempt went wide right. Perkins’ earlier decision to kick the extra point, rather than playing to win with a two-point conversion rankled Tide fans for years. Most dissatisfied Tide fans were adamant that Paul Bryant would have never played for a tie.

The game ended with an Alabama possession following the missed field goal. Alabama took a knee and let time expire. Perkins defended his decision to play for the tie saying the team fought back too hard to lose.

Check out these highlights of the last few minutes in the game:

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