look at some longer sleeves.  He snagged a tall mocha latte in the coffee shop, then headed downstairs to the Student Center Gift Shop.

The aisles were filled with Bama fans in last minute shopping frenzy. When he was about to give up, he stumbled on one last shirt, a long sleeve, his size, Crimson, and in White - "RAMMER JAMMER" on the front, "YELLOW HAMMER" on the back, "GIVE EM HELL" down the left sleeve, and "ALABAMA" up the right sleeve. Perfect. Cap’s gameday look was complete - the Tide would Roll today.

Upstairs, Cap settled in before one of the many TVs spread across the lounge to watch ESPN GameDay from Austin, Texas for the Longhorns’ showdown with Texas Tech. But the Quad was calling, and before long he was there - wandering through the tailgaters on the west side - grills blazing, music blaring, crimson everywhere.

And on the east side of the Quad, food and games: football throw and kick, basketball contests, batting cage - even a huge Coke bottle the kids could enter and try to catch prizes swirling through the air around them.

He entered the crowded merchandise tent, with long lines of shoppers and a table of books about Alabama football. One containing jokes about the Tide, and nearby, Warren St. John, author of Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer signing copies of his book.

Back outside, the Million Dollar Band was tuning up on the Gorgas porch, and soon blasted out "Yea Alabama,” while the cheers and poms led the crowd. The Elephant roamed the Quad posing for pictures with adoring fans, and Denny Chimes towered above.

Then, the band descended, formed again on the west side of the Quad, and headed south on Colonial, the members chanting during the “Elephant Stomp” - past University, through the crowd - on and into Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Stadium - named after Bear Bryant and former University President George Denny - presently seats 83,818, and is in the midst of expansion.

Cap worked his way to his seat while the band performed on the field, "Roll Tide Roll,” and of course, "Yea Alabama,” followed by the Alma Mater.

Then the jumbo screen on the scoreboard above the south end zone flashed images of glorious Crimson Tide moments from the past, including several shots of Bear Bryant at different stages of his career. Then the big elephant head filled the screen and the team poured on to the Bryant Denny grass as the PA announcer boomed, "This is Alabama football!"

Minutes later, the ball was in the air and the struggle was underway.

It was an old fashioned defensive brawl, from start to finish. The kicking game, turnovers, field position - both teams clawing for every inch, 0-0 at the half.

Although there was no scoring, there was plenty of action in the first half, and the crowd was wired and wild-eyed, everyone on their feet for every play. Cap grabbed a hot dog at the concession stand at half, and hurried back to engage in the battle.

Late in the third quarter, the Tide’s Demarco Ryans recovered a fumbled punt, and Jamie Christensen made it count with a 33-yard field goal for a 3-0 Bama lead as the fourth quarter began.

Tennessee took the following kickoff and hit a 35-yard pass into Bama territory. The Tide defense stiffened, and Tennessee’s James Wilhoit was good on a 33-yard field goal and a 3-3 tie with 11:52 left. 

As the final period wound down, the Vols drove to take the lead, but the Tennessee fullback was upended at the Alabama 5-yard

Sweet Home Alabama continued on next page...(click here)

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