NATCHEZ — For Mike and Ashley Linton, LSU’s 31-24 win over Ohio State in the national championship game couldn’t have come at a worse, or better, time.

The couple, was planning on being in New Orleans for the festivities, and, if they were lucky, to score some tickets to the game.

However, when Ashley’s grandmother, Pauline Huff, died earlier this week, things took priority and the couple traveled from Baton Rouge, where they live, back to Natchez, where Ashley grew up, to attend the funeral.

So that’s why, when the Tigers wrapped up their second national championship in the past five years, they were whooping it up in Bowie’s Tavern on Main Street instead of in the Big Easy.

And that was just fine with them.

“This is where the LSU fans come in Natchez to watch a game,” Ashley said. “It’s a great atmosphere here.”

And the euphoria of LSU’s national title was a great way to get their mind off the somber atmosphere of the funeral Sunday afternoon.

“It’s been a crazy, roller-coaster day,” Ashley said. “It’s a nice release.”

The couple is LSU through and through, with Mike walking on to the Tiger football in the early 90s before turning his attention to rugby.

“We haven’t missed a home game, other than the Arkansas game when we were here for Thanksgiving,” Mike said. “You can’t beat Tiger football.”

Cheering for LSU was a little harder for Ashley, whose entire family pulls for Ole Miss.

“They were all making fun of us after the funeral today,” Ashley said. “But it doesn’t bother me.”

With the Tigers down 10-0 early in the game after a long touchdown run and a long pass to set up a field goal, most of the crowd at Bowie’s was apprehensive, but Mike knew there was a long way to go.

“A lot of people here got really frustrated,” he said. “But their scores came after big plays. Our scores came on long, steady drives. And as a former player, I know that’s how you win. Slow and steady drives and great defense.”

And sure enough, the Tigers answered with 31 consecutive points on their way to the victory.

All that was left to do for the Lintons was celebrate along with everyone else at the bar.

And after a trying day, no celebration Ashley had taken part in ever felt better.