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Alabama Vs. LSU

January 9, 2012 by · Comments Off on Alabama Vs. LSU 

Alabama Vs. LSUAlabama Vs. LSU, It’s hard to beat a team twice in the same season. That’s exactly what the Alabama Crimson Tide will be hanging their hat on when they take on the LSU Tigers for the second time this season. The first meeting was a defensive battle as LSU pulled out the 9-6 win in what was a battle of field position. College football handicappers must be thinking under the same terms as they have listed the Tide as 2 point favorites for Monday’s National Championship game. It’s extremely rare for the number 1 seed with no losses to be posted as a small underdog for the title game, but this is an extremely unique situation.

Despite a loss at home to LSU earlier this season, Alabama managed to maintain their grasp on the #2 position in the BCS rankings. Oklahoma St narrowly finished third, and showed why they weren’t deserving as they held on to beat Stanford in a game they clearly should’ve lost. Despite the criticism many NCAA football experts have brought forth in regards to having two teams from the same conference together for a shot at the title, it’s clear to see that these were the top two teams in the country by a landslide.

Both LSU and ‘Bama use the same philosophy in regards to winning football games. Each puts tremendous emphasis on running the ball effectively, and playing smash-mouth football to take away the will of their opponents. Alabama finished the 2011 season as the top ranked defense in college football, allowing just 8.8 points per game in the process. The Tigers weren’t too far behind with a 10.5 points against average, but was able to go undefeated with a more potent offensive attack.

It’s not like LSU had an easy SEC or out of conference schedule to navigate on their way to a perfect 13-0 year. They beat 8 top-25 teams in the process, and did it with ease! The 3 point win on the road against Alabama was the only game against a ranked team that finished inside of a 13 point margin of victory. The Tigers defense may be one of the best college football has seen in decades. They have one of the best secondary’s ever assembled, yet still have the ability to get to the quarterback with a stout offensive line.

Offense isn’t a problem for LSU either as they finished 12th in division 1 football in points per game. Averaging nearly 40 points per game would be enough for most teams to win almost every game, but the Tigers like to add to their opponents misery by holding them to next to nothing offensively. Jarrett Lee took over the starting job at quarterback due to the suspension that Jordan Jefferson received in the off season. Lee has been incredibly poised and efficient in his role despite not being asked to do too much.

LSU’s offense revolves solely around the rushing attack of Michael Ford and Spencer Ware who have combined for over 1400 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Tigers made this game-plan work the first time they played the Tide, but they will have to do much more offensively to pull out the win this time around.

Offensively, Alabama has a huge edge over LSU in both passing and rushing. Trent Richardson was in the running for the Heisman Trophy, and has decided to come back for his senior season. He will be playing at his absolute best Monday as the Crimson Tide try to redeem themselves with a win in the game that really matter. Richardson rushed for almost 1600 yards and 20 touchdowns in leading this team to a 11-1 record with wins over 4 top-25 opponents. Quarterback A.J. McCarron did an impressive job leading this offense in his sophomore year as he threw 16 touchdowns to just 5 interceptions, and finished with a QB rating of almost 150. He will be the key to Alabama’s success Monday. Expect several big throws that lead to hard fought scores against this talented LSU “D”.

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