BCS Title Game: Alabama vs. LSU 2

Kerry R. Thompson, Sr.

Is there really anything different between these two teams this go round? Alabama vs. LSU; Armageddon part two. LSU is still LSU. Alabama is still Alabama. Alabama felt like they won the first game. They did outgain LSU in yardage. They would be the first team that won a game with less points than the other team. LSU stepped up when it mattered the most. Let’s go over what is going to be different this time.

Adjustments

LSU could bring Jordan Jefferson off the bench. This forced Alabama to have to prepare for 2 potential QBs and not just one. The option was Alabama’s undoing the first go round and I just don’t see that really being effective this time. I am more than positive Nick Saban has been preparing for this over the entire break with his team. The last time we saw LSU was in the SEC Championship game. LSU started off very slow against a pretty good Georgia defense. They only scored 7 points the first half. LSU can’t come out playing like that. The difference is that the flood gates opened up and LSU scored 35 straight points against Georgia. They will NOT score 35 straight against Alabama. Their defense is just too good. Alabama special teams struggles have been well documented, but they have excellent kick coverage. Tyrann Mathieu won’t be able to put his team in a position to score or to dominate the game in the Punt game. Alabama didn’t challenge LSU’s secondary much. This was because their primary deep threat Marquis Maze hurt his ankle in the previous game and was a non-factor after that. Look for Maze to make his mark on this game with either a dynamic return or a great catch.

The last time we saw Alabama, they were beating up on Auburn, making them just look awful. The last matchup against LSU, Trent Richardson gained 169 of Alabama’s 295 yards. He led the team in rushing yards and receiving yards. But look for LSU to make some adjustments. When it came to Richardson, they really didn’t start tackling him until the 4th quarter. I am sure that Les Miles showed all the PISS POOR tackling efforts that LSU showed throughout the game. They will fix the tackling problem and come up to put a hat on Richardson. Last game LSU made plays when Alabama just didn’t. Especially on that trick play that Eric Reid picked off. AJ McCarron did not play particularly well against LSU; most of his passing yardage came from the YAC (Yards After the Catch). For some reason, Chavis kept giving that up to Alabama. I know he will correct that. That is what was killing LSU. That is why they were outgained. Last game LSU’s front line had a VERY hard time blocking Alabama’s blitz packages. Hebert and company are going to have to step their game up in order to give Jefferson time to find his WRs. Last game DeAngelo Peterson had NO effect on the game. Look for Les Miles to get him the ball more. Also Les Miles was conservative with his play calling. I look for Les to open it up for the home crowd in New Orleans. LSU should also stack the box and force McCarron to have to make the throws to beat them. This would give an advantage LSU.

Advantages
LSU’s secondary is the best in the land. Alabama has a pretty good one as well, but honestly if Kirkpatrick was a lockdown corner, he would have been up for the Thorpe. If McCarron misses a pass, this opportunistic group will take full advantage. Alabama’s WRs and TEs are just not at ANY advantage in this game. I also give the QB experience to LSU. McCarron is just not the QB that is going to dominate a game.
Alabama’s front 7 was clearly more dominant up the middle of the field. They had problems with the option with LSU. LSU could NOT move the ball up the middle of the field. The offensive line struggled on almost every snap blocking the front seven of Alabama. If this trend continues, Jordan Jefferson won’t have time to find an open WR. Trent Richardson is definitely an advantage. He is the best RB in this game. He is going be a factor.

My Pick
In 2009, it was just Alabama’s year. Everything bounced their way. I think the same thing about this LSU team. Everything is just bouncing and happening for LSU this year. I just think they have more playmakers on defense than Alabama does. I think it will be 20-17 LSU. I think that LSU will prove once and for all that they are the best team in the country.