Quote Originally Posted by Tappy:
First and foremost, I would like to say good luck, and Roll Tide to everyone out there. I look forward to this matchup, and have no doubt that this will be the National Championship of college football this season. It's ironic to me that both teams get a week off, and the world has to anticipate this matchup for two weeks.
Secondly, I would like to say that I do not consider what I am about to post to be the end all, win it all recipe for a team to win this game.
As I see it:
QB - LSU has the edge in this category. You have two proven QB's, and a dual threat with Jefferson. Jefferson lit up the Tide last season, and Alabama has yet to face a legitimate dual threat this season. LSU has yet to face a secondary like Bama's and they are going to make it difficult on these QB's, just as much as these QB's are gonna make it difficult for the Tide. Another thing to remember is that a lot of these defenders have already faced Jefferson, and this offense, and know what to expect for the most part. They learn from their mistakes, and when they get pissed off, they shut teams down! Not sure how well the pass rush will do in this game either, because of the O line of LSU. I will speak in a bit about the LB's matchup of the two teams... On the other side of the QB situation, you have AJ McCarron. Although LSU has the edge, I don't think it is a factor when comparing the QB's. AJ has proven that he doesn't make mistakes. Before the INT last week, he had thrown 150+ passes without an INT, and the ones before that were in the first game, when the QB situation was a factor. What is important to me is that he came back from that INT, he didn't let it effect him, and he had his best game of the season. AJ does what is asked of him, and takes what the defense gives him. Granted, we have in no way faced a secondary like LSU's, so it will be interesting to see how well he performs.
RB - Large Edge Alabama here... Overall statistics make Trent Richardson the best running back in the nation right now, and Eddie Lacie is ahead of Ford as well... I consider that duo to be the best in college football, period, and to argue that is crazy. This has a lot to do with a dominant offensive line... If anyone thinks that stacking the box is gonna just shut him down, you're crazy. Trent is gonna do his thing, and be a factor in this game. I am not saying he will run all day, because once again, this LSU front is the toughest we have faced all season, aside from Florida's. (Yes, Florida has a BIG, Experienced, Talented defensive line.) Because of this, there will be times when Trent is shut down, and we are gonna be forced into pass situations. On the other side, I can't say that similar won't happen on the LSU side of the ball. I am not taking away from the offensive line of LSU, because they are big and tough, and allow Ware to do amazing things. How well they will do against this Tide rushing defense, which is ranked first in the nation, is a matchup that will be interesting to see. I personally think the Tide is gonna dominate the LSU run game for the most part, but that is the "Bammer Homer" in me.
Wr's - Edge to LSU because of the tallent, explosiveness, and deep threat ability. Alabama has also proven that they are exposed at times to the deep threat, so I can't say that LSU won't break a few of those off. However, although Bama doesn't have that legit deep threat, we do have a plethora of proven receivers who are spread around, and are among some proven TE's as well. Neither team has faced a secondary like the others...
TE's - Edge Bama... Our TE's are proven threats, and the two of their combined yardages is more than the 3 of LSU's. TD's are the same. (Totaling 3 for each team) Smelly/Williams are also an EXCELLENT blockers on the O line...
O Line - Even... Each line is experienced... The difference you will find here, and I think this will be interesting, is that Bama has the better rush O, but not so good with the pass protection. LSU has the better pass O, and a lower ranked rushing offense. IF this matchup goes the way it looks on paper, it is going to be a long day for LSU. If Bama can shut down the run, and LSU is one dimensional, the edge goes to Bama in this game. They same can be said on the other side of the ball.
DLine - Edge LSU... These boys are big, mean, and experienced. They are gonna cause some issues for Bama at times during this game. We have a pretty excellent set ourselves, so don't think they are just gonna get ran over all day. They are part of the reason this is the #1 ranked rush D in the nation boys and gals. The way I see this going, is LSU's less tallented LB corps can't assist like they will need to against the run, BUT they will be able to assist with the short passing game, and get enough pressure when rushing 3, or 4. (LSU runs a 4-3 mostly)...
LB's - Large edge Bama... Dont'a Hightower, and Courtney Upshaw are the two of best LB's in college football. They are dominating all over the field, and are a terror for their opponents. They will cause some major issues for LSU, this I promise. This is why I say that the LSU run game will be, for the most part ineffective. As I said before, we have the #1 ranked rush defense in the nation for a reason.
Secondary - Even - As far as turnovers go, LSU has the edge. The "Ganja Bear" is AMAZING, and he will cause some issues for Bama. I think the coordinators are on an even level here, but Saban gives the edge, because I think he is the best mind in college football, and most of the NFL when it comes to coaching a secondary. Experience wise everything is pretty even also, except Bama returned all 4 starters in the secondary, and I think LSU lost a main guy. For the most part LSU should be able to contain our WR's and give us some issues, and I think the same goes for Bama's.
I don't believe that there is a team in college football that will score more than 17 points on Bama's defense. I stick to that even with this game. I think LSU has some obvious issues when they allowed WV to put up 500+ yards on them, which is a joke. There isn't a team in college that can put up 500 on Bama, that I promise you. I think Bama is the more experienced, deep, physical team, and they will wear LSU down. This game will stay close for quite some time, and could be decided in the 4th quarter, with the more physical team wearing the other down, and coming away with the victory, and a SEC/National Championship later down the road.
Final Prediction 17 - 28 Bama
BEST OF LUCK! Roll Tide!