A few weeks ago I reminded Bama fans not to book those hotels just yet for Atlanta because they would later learn how much they miss a playmaker like Tyrone Prothro.

That statement never rang more true last Saturday when the Crimson Tide limped past a horrible Mississippi State team, 17-0.

You look at the score, and you see that the Tide came away with a nice shutout. What you don't see is that Alabama once, again, struggled to get anything going offensively.

Alabama's season could come to a horrific ending over the course of the next two weeks.

The Tide plays host to LSU today and then hits the road to visit the Cow College down the road in Lee County to close out the regular season.

Should Alabama pull off a miracle victory, which is what it will take, the Tide remains alive for the SEC West crown and a slim-to-none chance of a national championship berth.

But that seem unlikely given Alabama's performance last week and even the week before.

Sure Alabama held Tennessee to just a field goal and walked away with a 6-3 victory over that mighty Volunteer defense. But you have to look at the next week, when Notre Dame threw up 41 points on the Vols' vaunted defense.

Alabama's dream season could turn into a nightmare in just a matter of two weeks.

I hate to say I told you so Tide fans, but I have a feeling in two weeks I'll be doing just that.

Unless someone steps up huge today, Alabama is likely to lose to LSU.

That will destroy the chances of the Iron Bowl on the Plains becoming one of the biggest games for both teams in recent years.

I would hate to see that, but reality is about to slap Alabama in the face today.

While Tide fans may seem slighted by Associated Press writers because they were not voted No. 3 in the country, it does make sense.

Most AP writers feel that Alabama hasn't played a quality opponent up to this point.

Well Florida looked pretty good, but then the Gators needed overtime to hold off Vanderbilt.

I don't need to say anymore about Tennessee following the Vols debacle in South Bend.

It looks more and more like a peachy season for Alabama this year.

I'd save those reservations for Atlanta Tide fans, only you might push them back a few weeks to the week of Jan. 1 when Alabama plays Florida State in Peach Bowl.

Kevin Taylor is sports editor of The Greenville Advocate. Call him at (334) 382-3111 ext. 122 or e-mail kevin.taylor@greenvilleadvocate.com.