By By Mark Etheridge / special to The Star
Nov. 24, 2002
TUSCALOOSA, ALA "It was one of those days," said Alabama head coach Dennis Franchione. "Some days you are one play ahead and some days you are one play behind. We were behind today. "
The Alabama offense moved the ball totaling 320 yards of total offense but produced only seven points. Much of that can be attributed to the fact Auburn won the battle of field position and forced Alabama to sustain long drives. More often than not, Alabama hurt itself with penalties. Other times, the Auburn defense would step up and make plays.
Auburn was not the only team battling injuries to key players Saturday. Alabama senior defensive tackle Kenny King did not play. The player who replaced King in the lineup, sophomore Ahmaad Childress, left with a hand injury and did not return. Jarret Johnson and Anthony Bryant were the only two tackles left in the four man rotation. Senior Bart Raulston did see action on a one series but mostly it was Johnson and Bryant.
Speaking of injuries, Alabama punter Lane Bearden brought the crowd to his feet with a tackle. Bearden is punting with a torn ACL in his kicking leg.
As expected, Alabama's players are taking this loss hard. Anthony Bryant stated the hurt of losing this game is tougher than the thrill of winning it.