Two Wills, One Mind

It's only Wednesday, but even now, you can see the approaching storm.
The clouds are rolling, and slowly but surely, they are headed for Tuscaloosa. Every year, we see it coming, and every year, we despise it. We despise their creamsicle orange hue, we can't stand that annoying ditty they relentlessly sing, we can't stand the man who marshals the forces of a state that has always hated us, and who we have always reviled in turn. It's the third Saturday in October, and Tennessee is coming to town.
For almost a century, the Tide and the Vols have locked themselves in gridiron battle. The wars they have waged have every bit of the passion seen in the siege of Troy, upon the fields of Waterloo, and on the rolling seas of the Pacific. Blood and death is replaced by heartache and triumph. Names like Neyland and Bryant have been immortalized by the plunder of this victory. There is no contest, save that upon the Plains of Auburn, which carries the weight of this annual matchup. And this 2007 campaign could be the greatest of them all.
For fifteen years, the Alabama faithful have been plagued by the dominance of the man they crucify Fat Phil. He has defeated the Tide both on the field and off it, leading the Volunteers to victory, while condemning the 'Bama nation to five years of darkness and doubt. It is only now, in desperation and in prayer, that Alabama has searched, and found, the man they hope to lead us back to the days of Glory. For Nick Saban, this is his moment. This is his time to stand up, to gain favor in the eyes of those who believe in his process. This is where he earns that power which has been given to him.
This year's rendition of this old tune we know so well carries the weight of two programs on its shoulders. For Alabama, here is presented a chance to regain their pride, to know that their leader will not wither in the sight of our enemy. For Tennessee, Fulmer must go to high noon, in the land which hates him, to face the new gun in town. All he has built, all he has worked for, all that he knows and loves about the state of his manhood, is on the line. The pieces are set, and the match is ready to begin.
It's going to be one wild storm.