A Game To Remember...

September 10th 2005.

LSU defeated Arizona State 35-31 in one of the most emotional games in recent college football memory. We all know the story, Hurricane Katrina blew through Louisiana and destroyed homes and towns and business. The LSU Tigers were unable to play their first two games and ultimately had to move their home game against the Devils to Tempe, AZ.
I'll never forget when I found out the game was being moved to Tempe. I burst into my buddies place after getting a phone call telling me it was moved. We were so excited we would see the game here. We were also excited because it gave us a chance to win against the 5th ranked Tigers.
The day of the game was incredible. People were giving donations left and right, ASU raised over a million dollars for LSU. Students gave all they could. People were dressed in purple in gold (LSU's colors) even if they didn't normally root for LSU. The game was an official home game for the Tigers, we as ASU fans watched as their opening video was shown in our stadium. The end zones were painted with both Maroon and Gold and Purple and Gold.
As for the game itself. Well...it was intense. The video posted does a much better job explaining the game itself. The last play, the touchdown pass to Early Doucet is one of the most memorable plays of the season. As meaningful as it was to the people of Louisiana I will always stand by the fact that he didn't have control of the ball when he caught it. As much as I stand by that, watching this video I couldn't help but feel just moved by it. Of all the videos and clips of this game that I have seen, this one did it the most justice. I felt so moved by this. The way our season turned out that year, I really don't mind that we lost anymore. We got to play in the Insight Bowl which allowed me to see it live at Chase Field. Rudy Carpenter had a great season and led the nation in passing efficiency.
What would we have done if we won? Would we have rushed the field, would we have partied in the streets? I don't think win or lose we would have been able to feel very good about the win. Yes it was a win over the number five team in the country but they hadn't played a game yet, we had played two. It was heartbreaking at the time, but watching this video just made me remember how important it was to the state of Louisiana.


ASU Football to take on LSU at home....(thesundevils.com)