From the injury to insult department, we have the story of Bama's BCS trophy. Across Louisiana, we'd rather forget the night that Bama shellacked LSU to win the Waterford crystal football. But today it's Tuscaloosa that is walking around feeling shattered. Over the weekend, the symbol of the championship was broken at the Crimson Tide's spring game after a football dad accidentally knocked it off of a table. But don't worry, it's not like this is Lord Stanley's Cup or anything. For a mere $30,000, the trophy can be replaced! Meanwhile, the Tiger Nation is finally feeling a little payback of the cosmic sort for that other Krystal incident.

by Brad Rhines

This free, curbside taco was brought to you by BP. As New Orleans rang in the New Year with packed hotel rooms and football fever, the excitement spread far beyond the Superdome. Blimps and billboards shined overhead, as corporate entities like Allstate, AT&T, and even the much-maligned British Petroleum were taking advantage of the crowds, and making their presence known around town. The oil company that was responsible for the Big Oozy sponsored the “Gulf Coast Seafood and Tourism 2012 Bash,” a two-week push to support local seafood and help clean up their own image.

As T-Bob's dad and a former Saints Quarterback, Bobby Hebert could probably get an audience in the Mad Hatter's lair anytime he wants. But, empowered by fans' boos of Jordan Jefferson and his media credentials, Hebert decided to lambaste Les Miles during the postgame press conference Monday night. For 43 seconds, Hebert tore into the Mad Hatter because the Tigers didn't play QB Jarrett Lee, or create any offense in the BCS Championship. Since the New York Times says it will live on long past this game, it's probably worth a look:

by Jeffrey Hill

As football fans swarmed the Quarter this weekend, the feeling was more later Februrary than early January, with masks replaced by seemingly ubiquitous polo shirts, and green replaced with Bama crimson. Fans from both sides of the BCS Championship could all make it by car, and many said they were here without tickets to the game, and no plans of getting in. The simultaneous economic boost for the city and overload was best summed up by one bartender who, in the true spirit of Mardi Gras, wished to keep his identity masked.

Even if the BCS computer system for crowning a champion remains debatable, the college football championship has the hype machine honed. Like the Super Bowl, the a full week of buildup allows for all the human interest stories, sideshows drink fads, and, of course, memes your brain can handle. Click through to check these stories out now, before kickoff happens and none of it matters anymore.

Tonight, he'll dance at a black tie ball. Tomrorow, he'll be serenaded by Deacon John and flown over by really impressive jets. And, if he's lucky, a few people might even get their minds out of the football long enough to pay attention. At a midday Monday ceremony at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rogue, Bobby Jindal will be inaugurated into his second term as governor. The 40-year-old spent the run-up to the Big Day like any other guy: betting on football and talking up his friends. Jindal is ceding most of the festivaling to New Orleans and the BCS Championship, but at least that means Edwin Edwards won't be there to upstage him. AP has details on all the pomp.

Has the recent run of football games inspired your inner linebacker or maybe just your inner placekicker? Well, the BCS hype machine has put together the destination for you.

The BCS Championship and Republlican presidential wannabes' sudden urge to bet hit their happy medium Saturday when Newt Gingrich said he would put $10,000 on LSU. According to Politico, the former House Speaker predicted a higher scoring contest than the November's Game of the Century, then said LSU would win. But don't worry, Buddy Roemer, Newt's not trying to beat you to the punch. “How could I not be for Alabama?” Gingrich said. “Bear Bryant is one of my favorite coaches. And Roll Tide just sounds good.”

Today marks the day when American forces lead by General Andrew Jackson staved off a British Invasion at Chalmette. The Battle of New Orleans was the last battle of the War of 1812, and is often referred to as the greatest American land victory of the skirmish. Hence, the statue of Jackson in the square and the song. Commemorate the battle in Chalmette, and get ready for tomorrow's BCS Championship game. Click through for details.

Unlike the Kelly Clarkson performance the Champions Square audience was treated to before the Sugar Bowl, the BCS has clearly taken pains to take the locals into account before its championship game. Plus, it's in the Quarter, so you can't really phone that in. With LSU and Bama in the game, this weekend's fan fest in Jax Brewery Parking lot features the Bayou croons of the Neville Brothers (Sat., 6:15 p.m.)  and the Southern-fried soul of Cee-Lo Green (Sun., 6:15 p.m.). Both shows are free. And there won't only be music down by the river.