November 5th. The day every Alabama and LSU fan has marked on their schedule. It not only decides the winner of the SEC West; it decides who will play in the National Championship. There will never again be a game more physical. The identical defenses of Alabama and LSU. The season so far for both teams, has been like lightning in a bottle, set to strike on November 5th. The mere thought of these two teams colliding is mind-boggling. The players know that they’ve worked, sweat, and bled for the Crimson and white..Or the gold and purple. For the seniors its their last chance at holding the BCS National Champions trophy. Alabama’s offensive demon Trent Richardson is set to face one of the best defenses in college football. The tests will continue throughout the game for both sidelines. AJ McCarron has the advantage of playing in Bryant Denny Stadium. This, however is a factor that will play against LSU. Though, LSU has been on the national stage all year, it will be nothing like the crowd and team they face when they come to Alabama.
(Keys To Game)
For Alabama, Pass Attack offense is going to HAVE TO work. They need to establish themselves and PASS EARLY. LSU is built to stop the run more than stop the pass. and Offensively you have GOT to spread the ball around to DeAndrew White. I’ve said it since the Pre-season that White will be the replacement of Julio Jones by the end of the year. That means taking his spot on screen plays. Marquise Maze and Darius Hanks are the best two blocking WRs I’ve ever seen. But, when Maze catches the screens he cant run far because the blocking isn’t as developed as it is when he blocked for Julio. Im predicting a screen pass that goes for around 50+ yards for a TD. With LSU being so aggressive in blitzing Alabama’s screen plays will work beautifully. We saw it two years ago with Julio Jones.
For LSU Alabamas defense is one of the best that has ever come through the University. The only weaknesses for the Tide (if you want to call it a weakness) is offensive line, and kickoffs. LSU has a proven kickoff returner and if LSU starts every drive from the 40 Bama could see trouble early. But going back to Offensive Line, Alabama has struggled all year with defending their QB in the pocket. When the defense rushes 5 or more McCarron gets pressure quick and has to throw the ball away. LSU is on of the most aggressive defenses in the country and will blitz Alabama all night. If Alabama comes out with less than 5 sacks I will be amazed. We will more than likely see Jordan Jefferson play. Alabama has injured almost every QB they have played all year.
The defense from Alabama is being led by Dant’a Hightower, Courtney Upshaw, Josh Chapman, and Mark Barron. This defensive unit for Alabama is the most physical team out there. They have been said to be like a NFC south defense. Alabamas strength comes from their secondary and linebackers. If Alabama hopes to win they will need to ultimately develop a pass-rush. This is hard with their Defensive ends..that arent very fast. The main way Alabama forces pressure is from the linebackers. Hightower and Upshaw both are incredible pass rushers off the edge and Alabama will need them in order to be successful.
Ultimately, I believe Alabama will come out the victor. 16-20 LSU kicks 4 field goals due to their field position, with only one TD.
I also think that LSU will give up 2 interceptions (Barron, then Menzie)
Alabama will fumble once (Lacy)
And Finally Alabama throws one INT Morris Claiborne
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tyrann Matthieu -LSU
DeAndrew White- Alabama
Thank you for your time and feel free to comment your opinions!
God Bless