Tide rolled on way to play Auburn

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama’s fans were subdued to start Saturday’s game. They seemed restless to shove little Louisiana-Monroe aside and get on to Auburn.

You know, the matchup that really defines a season for the Crimson Tide.

This might just have become that game for Nick Saban’s reeling team – a stunning 21-14 upset to the 24 1/2 -point underdogs from the Sun Belt Conference.

Quintez Secka had two interceptions and Louisiana-Monroe (5-6) forced four turnovers, blocked a field goal and turned Alabama (6-5) away three times on promising drives in the fourth quarter. The result was the Tide’s third consecutive defeat.

It was a sloppy performance that left Saban, paid $4 million a year to turn around a traditional power, “embarrassed for all our fans.”

“I’m certainly not pleased the way we represented that tradition today,” Saban said. “We did all the things in this football game that get you beat regardless of who you play.

“We just did a lot of things today that is not winning football. I think we’re all responsible for it. It starts with me.”

The WarHawks had nothing to apologize for in a rare win over a Southeastern Conference team for their school and their league, both of whom have been bullied by the SEC.

“This win means everything to our program right now,” tailback Frank Goodin said. “It’s the biggest win as far as I know for this program.”

It was the WarHawks’ first victory over an SEC team since beating Mississippi State in 1995 and their third in 33 tries, improving their record to 3-29-1.

The Sun Belt had been 0-11 against the SEC this season.