By Ashley Y.
SouthernPigskin.com

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Given Alabama’s recent run of success, there are plenty of reasons to love the Crimson Tide.

Alabama took on Ole Miss this weekend in the ESPN primetime game in Tuscaloosa, winning 33-14.  However, something happened that made the Tide work just a bit harder during the game: Alabama trailed for the first time this season. 

At the beginning of the second quarter, Ole Miss scored a touchdown to go up on Alabama 7-6.  Tide fans collectively gasped.  Ole Miss’ winning margin lasted about as long as the gasp, however, as just 15 seconds later the Crimson Tide scored on a 99-yard kick return by Christion Jones.  In honor of these 15 seconds, we bring you the top 15 reasons to love the Alabama Crimson Tide. 

15. Recruiting – Alabama consistently reels in some of the top recruiting classes in the nation.  Great facilities, academics, and coaches are just a few reasons why it is easy to lure athletes to the Capstone.  Steady recruiting also means that Alabama’s run of dominance will not soon come to an end.

14. National Championships – Sure, some of them may not be unanimous, but you cannot argue with the winning records.

13. The SEC – Teams are only as good as their competition.  You have to beat the greatest in order to be the greatest.

12. Scott Cochran – Everyone got to know him on ESPN’s Training Days.  He is the strength and conditioning coach for the Tide. He trains athletes to lift astounding amounts of weights, and his voice is now so popular that he is featured in Gameday jumbotron videos.

11. Jesse Williams – Have you seen this kid?  He is 6’4”, 320, and is an absolute monster. 

10. Barrett Jones – Linemen don’t often make the news, but this one makes headlines.  Now an experienced senior, Jones has been to two national championship games.  AJ McCarron has all the time in the world to throw thanks the Jones and the rest of the offensive line.

9. Everlasting Uniforms – In an age where holograms, mirrors, and glow-in-the-light shoes are all the rage, there is something to be said for plain and simple.

8. Depth – Depth is the name of the game at Alabama. Not only does depth help in weeks like this past one where injuries were rampant, but the amount of different players who have received playing time will greatly help later in the season.

7. Bryant-Denny Stadium – Home of 101,000 of the most passionate fans you’ll ever see.  Recent additions and improvements have made this one of the nicest stadiums in the country.

6. Dreamland BBQ – If you ever get the chance to enjoy a game in Tuscaloosa, you have to stop by Dreamland.  It is simply the best.

5. Rivalries – Alabama has some of the greatest rivalries in the south.  The Iron Bowl against Auburn is always the biggest game, and the third Saturday in October belongs to Tennessee.  In recent years, the LSU game has been the most important game of the year nationally.  The Tigers of LSU are right up there with the Tigers of Auburn for the Tide’s biggest nemesis.

4. AJ McCarron – He is calm under pressure and is now a seasoned veteran.  He doesn’t strive to put on a flashy show, just move the ball one down at a time.

3. Defense – Defense wins championships.

2. Freshmen – T.J. Yeldon and Amari Cooper have already made huge impressions this season.  If these two players are a sign of Alabama’s future, the nation better watch out.

1. Nick Saban – Hate him or love him, you cannot deny that he wins.  Concentrating on fundamentals and preparation allows him to outwit his opponents.