Alabama called a 1 p.m. press conference regarding an announcement with its juniors. Those weighing their options include linebacker Dont'a Hightower, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and safety Robert Lester.

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With over a month to prepare, redemption was the goal. Nick Saban, then 2-3 against Les Miles, could not withstand another loss. At the time, Saban was 6-1 in "revenge" games at Alabama, the only loss being the Nov. 5 showing against LSU. Another loss to Miles could symbolize that Miles had Saban’s number. The team could not afford a second loss to LSU in one season. In a season filled with BCS controversy, another loss would humiliate the Tide in the eyes of an already SEC-sickened country. Another loss would only raise the battle cries of the "belittled" Big-12 and Pac-12 teams and fans. As Trent Richardson burst to the outside and down the sideline for the first touchdown from either team in a combined 90+ minutes of play, redemption was obvious. Redemption was obvious on the foot of​

Jeremy Shelley

, who tied the bowl record of five field goals in a game and was four inches low on the blocked kick and one foot right from being a perfect seven for seven.​

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It is mildly amusing to read the two different takes on the pitifully low television ratings garnered by Monday night’s Bowl Championship Series title game. While the cable industry prefers the headline "ESPN Scores Cable’s Second-Largest Audience Ever," everyone else has been quick to point out that it drew fewer viewers than any B.C.S. championship game ever. Clearly, there are different curves on which to judge the 24.2 million who tuned in to ESPN to watch Alabama obliterate Louisiana State, 21-0. But it was hard for anyone to argue the ratings were good. There were many reasons for that. The game had little national appeal, considering its two teams play in the same division of the same conference. It was a rematch of a regular-season game that L.S.U. had won by the scintillating score of 9-6. And even the winning team was having trouble scoring touchdowns, Alabama offering a string of five field goals until Trent Richardson emerged with a touchdown run that reminded people why he was a Heisman favorite for about five minutes this season.​

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In keeping with the No. 14 theme, BOL presents its top 14 players on the roster for the 2011 national champion Alabama Crimson Tide. Please note that this list isn't based solely on previous game performances. Instead, it's based on a number of factors, including season-long production.

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Top 14 Tiders

Just two days after a BCS National Championship victory, multiple reports indicate potential movement on the Alabama coaching staff.

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Voters and pollsters upset with the BCS Championship rematch may punish Alabama and other SEC teams next year.

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Hot Corner: SEC backlash is not over

From unknown hire to fan criticism to Tide's best offensive coordinator in decades

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Jim McElwain left Alabama in style

It's a question that was being asked before a single piece of red and white confetti began falling through the Superdome air Monday night -- is this the best Alabama defense ever?

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Poll: Which defense was the best in Crimson Tide history?

Shelley kicks his way into spotlight in BCS

The Shelley shank redemption: Kicker atones for special teams boots that cost Tide in LSU loss

Huguenin’s 120: Final 2011 rankings of all FBS teams

Best and worst from the SEC bowl season

John Butler reportedly headed to PSU