The spirit of LSU is alive and well.

From Ben McDonald to Warren Morris, from Pete Maravich to Shaquille O'Neal, from Billy Cannon to Kevin Faulk, from Dale Brown to Skip Bertman, from Paul Dietzel to Nick Saban, and yes, to Les Miles, the spirit of LSU is alive and very, very well.

LSU - Bama 2012 was an epic night in Tiger Stadiumi indeed. Even though the outcome was not in the Tigers' favor, the reason we love LSU was on display for all to see. From the early morning of game day to the heartbreaking conclusion, what makes us LSU was reinforced.

There will always be those who can count more championships. But that will never be reason enough to lay down the the LSU mantle. It is so special and unique and should not be taken for granted.

Many men have had the honor of bearing the title of LSU Head Football Coach. Some more successfully than others. It was inevitable that Nick Saban would test the waters of the NFL, and as chance would have it he is now LSU's adversary. But even in triumph on a Saturday night in Tiger Stadium, it was evident what it cost him. He is no longer part of the fabric that is LSU.

Coach Les Miles however, has passed on the opportunities to return to his alma mater, and in truth, has strengthened the foundation of LSU football.

Before us now is a choice: agonize over the details of what could have been, which is what Sunday and Monday morning quarterbacks are made of, or go forward and continue in the phenomenon that is LSU, which each of us have chosen to include in our life's journey.