By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

RESERVE – As television sets across the region tune in to the BCS National Championship game Monday night, the tension will likely be high in local living rooms as people cheer on the LSU Tigers as they take on the Alabama Crimson Tide. That tension, however, may pale in comparison to that felt in one Reserve couple’s living room.

Tamara Hicks White, who hails from LaPlace, grew up a Tigers fan, while her boyfriend, Ronald Baucom, cheers for the Crimson Tide.

Baucon is from Phenix City, Ala., near the Georgia border, which is actually Auburn country.

“I just always like Alabama,” he said, adding he spent some time in Atlanta, so he also cheers for another SEC rival, the Georgia Bulldogs. “I love ‘em both.”

The couple met more than two decades ago in Reserve, but after being together for a couple of years, they lost touch. A little over a year ago, Baucom found Hicks White through the magic of Facebook.

It has been smooth sailing for the couple ever since, with the minor exception of certain game days.

“For the first LSU-Alabama game, he was the only Tide fan,” said Hicks White.

She said the couple went to a friend’s house to watch the matchup, and Baucom stood out like a sore thumb. Still, he stood his ground and cheered for the Tide throughout the game until the team’s eventual loss in overtime.

“He took it well,” Hicks White noted.

Baucom’s ribbing is not confined to his home and the couple’s circle of friends, however.

“They all rag on me at work,” said Baucom. “When I open my mouth they know I’m not from here.”

In fact a series of taunting text messages exchanged between Baucom and his boss recently led to a $50 bet.

“She was mad at me when I told her I bet my boss,” said Baucom.

“We’ll make some sort of bet,” Hicks White added. “He’ll do the dishes for a week or something.”

Of course, there is plenty off teasing being tossed around between the couple.

“You know it,” said Hicks White. “LSWho? He’s always saying that to me.”

“She LSU’d me all day today,” Baucom added.

The fact that former LSU head coach Nick Saban now helms the Alabama squad only makes the game that much more contentious for the two.

“I appreciate him,” Baucom said with a smile. “He’s done an outstanding job so far.”

And although the teams already squared off earlier in the season, Hicks White said she is happy the two teams are facing off again for the national championship.

“I was hoping we would play Alabama. I kind of think they deserve a chance,” she said. “Hopefully, we’re just going to wipe them out.”

While Baucom said he does not think that will happen, he did concede something.

“If LSU wins, I might convert,” he said.

Hicks White, on the other hand, said she will remain an LSU fan no matter what. And if LSU wins, she has some plans for that, too.

“I’m just going to rub it in his face,” she said. “He talks a lot of smack to me.”

Baucom retorted, “When I win that $50, I’ll take you out to dinner.”