Alabama fans up the ante in t-shirt troll game with USC

USC fired the first proverbial t-shirt cannon at Alabama ahead of the Sept. 3 season opener between the two teams, but Crimson Tide fans have taken things up to an uncomfortable level.

Two college football name brands will take the field in Arlington, Texas Sept. 3, as the defending national champion Alabama Crimson Tide will play the USC Trojans. It looks like a mismatch on paper though, and Alabama is currently favored by 10 points, but a back-and-forth off the field has become interesting.

USC’s bookstore started, and apparently has already stopped, selling a t-shirt for fans to wear to the season opener that carries the caption “Roll Tears Roll”.

In response to that clear trolling attempt, an Alabama fan site has offered their own t-shirt design for sale. The caption reads “Our O.J. Only Killed Clemson”, in obvious reference to O.J. Simpson and his infamous murder accusation and questionable acquittal. Those interested can get the design on a variety of items, in any size up to XXL, including a t-shirt (short or long-sleeved), a hoodie, a tank top or a simple collectible print.

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There’s an homage to O.J. Howard in there, and he did have two touchdowns in last January’s national title game win over Clemson. But it’s a clearly questionable way to pay tribute to the now-senior tight end for the Crimson Tide.

It remains to be seen if any Alabama fans will be wearing any “O.J” clothing for the season opener, or if the design will even remain for sale very much longer. But what started as a seemingly friendly (if a bit ill-advised) troll game has been turned up a notch, to an uncomfortable level.