Another famous name roams the Tide sideline

While no one is comparing him to the legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant, Mike Shula has Alabama rolling again, writes Beano Cook.

Originally Published: November 8, 2005
By Beano Cook | ESPN Insider
The most beloved Southerners of all time are Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson and Paul "Bear" Bryant -- not necessarily in that order.

In fact, it's probably in reverse order.

When Alabama played Notre Dame for the first time for the 1973 national championship, Bryant said, "This is the most important day in the South since Gettysburg." Some might look at this statement as an exaggeration, but those who know the passion that exists for college football in the SEC would probably agree.


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Beano Cook

College Football
Carroll H. "Beano" Cook joined ESPN in March 1986 and served as a college football studio commentator and occasional sideline reporter, in addition to offering college football commentary on ESPN Radio. He died in October 2012.

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