First off, I want to congratulate the 2011 LSU Tigers on an incredible and magical season that will never be forgotten. Regardless of the outcome Monday night, this team is one of the best in the BCS era and the greatest in LSU history which is something Tiger fans should be proud of. Our team accomplished more in one season than any team that has stepped on a field before them knocking off 4 of the major bowls champions and being crowned undefeated champions of the toughest conference in the country. I bleed purple and gold, and I always will...win, lose, or draw I will support my team and will always love them.

As for the game itself, I do have a couple thoughts and I want to preface this by saying I don't want to speak ill of any of our players so I will attempt to refrain from doing so:

I've just read many threads for the first time today and seen some of the rumors, quotes, and things that have gone down since Monday night. One that stuck out to me was that Tyrann, Brockers, and Big Sam were apologizing and saying they let the fans down. As a huge Tiger fan, I'm here to say that the guys on the defense did not let me down one bit...they all came to play and anyone could tell were playing their hearts out. Keeping us in a game where our offense just could not get anything going was very impressive and it was obvious that fatigue would set in eventually. One game does not a season make, and the defense has shown how great they are all year...that's what I will always remember the guys on that side of the ball as, nothing short of great.

The offensive struggles, coaching decisions, and gameplan have me as frustrated and confused as everyone. Never would I have expected us to lay an egg in that way, particularly with our track record in bowl games under Les. Like others, I truly have to wonder if something was amiss.

And one last thing I want to say before I conclude my reflections is to one young man who I have the utmost respect for and I think will remain one of my favorite Tigers forever...and it should come as no surprise that player is Jarrett Lee. You Jarrett are a much better man than I and have impressed me for years with your handling of the controversial QB situation that has plagued LSU since the departure of Perrilloux. I would never have blamed or questioned you for leaving when it became apparent that you would likely never get a fair shake again. I love Les Miles, but this is the one thing I will always disagree with. Jarrett Lee has for 2 years now been the better option at QB and it was apparent when he lead a productive offense for the better portion of the season. Why one mistake cost him the season perhaps we will never know. So thank you Jarrett for your loyalty to my beloved Tigers and I truly wish you the best in your future where I will always be pulling for you to succeed.

I am still in shock of the outcome of this game. Never did I actually believe we were going to lose until late in the 3rd and early 4th quarters when it became apparent that no changes were going to be made. I was truly hoping for Lee to at the very least get a chance. I wanted him to be the one to lead us back from the brink of defeat and forever remain a legend in Tiger lore, but we will never know if it would have happened unfortunately.

Still, I am hopeful for our bright future and ready to see the 2012 edition of the LSU Tigers complete our unfinished business and win the national championship. I think the team will come out on a mission and have the potential to go down as one of the greats...time will tell.

nb4tl;dr and as always,