COLLEGE FOOTBALL 2014
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THE TUSCALOOSA NEWS
A13
An oral history of the University of Alabama’s football season, as told by the people who lived it
Turning Point By D.C. Reeves Sports Writer
W ho would have thought an ugly performance in nasty weather against the SEC Western Division’s last-place team could become the University of Alabama’s tipping point? The setting — Fayetteville, Ark. — was unlikely for such inspiration, but a game-clinching interception by safety Landon Collins sealed a 14-13 victory for Alabama at Arkansas, helped the Crimson Tide overcome a road loss at Ole Miss and set up a run to the conference title. It lit the fuse for Alabama’s 59-0 drubbing of Texas A&M the next week, a victory so lopsided that it propelled Alabama back into the national title discussion just 14 days after a loss. Starting with Collins’ big play, Staff Photo | Erin Nelson here’s how two weeks swung Alabama’s season in an upward direc- Alabama players jump up and down in excitement after defensive back Landon Collins intertion: cepted a pass against Arkansas to help the Crimson Tide clinch a 14-13 win on Oct. 11, 2014. throw from Arkansas quarterback Landon Collins, Brandon Allen. junior safety: It was a spectacular moment Collins: in my life. It was on a play when I had the running back, so when I T.J. Yeldon, saw he was wider than usual, junior running back: It was a tough spot. Eventu- that means he’s coming out (as ally someone had to make a a receiver). So I was like, “Let’s play, and Landon made a play be on your P’s and Q’s and make sure you do what you’re and sealed the game for us. supposed to do.” With the defense buoying what Head coach Nick Saban: would be the Crimson Tide’s worst We had really good pressure offensive performance of the season – just 271 total yards – Collins’ on the quarterback, Landon signature play came with Arkansas had the back man-to-man, he facing a third-and-10 from its own picked him up, the quarterback 28 with two minutes left on a deep scrambled all the way to the
other side of the field and tried terback was running, but when to throw the ball way back you throw the ball across like across. that it’s in the air a long, long time. Collins: So the running back chipped When Collins intercepted the our defensive end and then pass, the Alabama sideline erupted tried to make it look like he was and Collins was mobbed before he going to block. When he could even get to the sideline. The popped out, I just chased him play put a glimmer on an otherand he was wide open and no wise ugly game, but the victory one else in sight. I looked up changed the team for good. On the and it was just floating in the exterior, a large contingent of the air gradually. I just went up Alabama fan base was concerned and came down with it. with two subpar performances in a row. Inside the locker room, Saban: however, there was a much Landon lost him for a second different feeling. because he thought the quarContinued