Guest Column- LSU @ Alabama Preview

This is a new idea I have finally started up. I'm extremely excited to see other people's opinion on the Good-Win! Sports Blog. If you are interested in writing for the blog, talk to me about it. We'll see what we can do.

Alabama vs. LSU

By: Alex Tubb

Tuscaloosa will be rocking as the "Game of the Century" takes place this weekend in Bryant-Denny Stadium as the #1 LSU Tigers take on the #2 Alabama Crimson Tide. This will be the fifth time since 2000 the #1 and #2 teams play each other in a game other than the National Championship.

College Football is a game of momentum, and Alabama definitely has the momentum going into this game. Think about it. Saturday night in Tuscaloosa is probably the toughest environment in all of sports to play in if the name of your team isn’t the “Alabama Crimson Tide".  Alabama fans are so rowdy that they accidently confused their own offense against Tennessee 2 weeks ago. 

Another advantage Alabama has is just better coaching.  I wouldn't want to face Nick Saban coming off a BYE week.  Not taking anything away from Les Miles, but I think Nick is more built for this situation that Les is. Although both have been in games like this, I believe Nick Saban knows exactly what to tell his players and how to get them in the perfect mind set for Saturday’s game.

Establishing the run is going to be the most important factor in this game for the LSU offense. They're facing an Alabama rush defense that’s only given up an average of 49 rush yards per game.  LSU doesn't have much of a pass attack.  Averaging only 180 yards per game, Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee's passing attack is only the 100th best in the nation. Even IF they had much of a passing attack, Alabama has the 3rd best Passing Defense in the country. Another important factor is that Alabama is not the best first half team. Tennessee and Ole Miss were hanging with the Tide in the first half of their games. LSU is going to have to be explosive in the first half, because that's where they have been most successful.

Like LSU, Alabama needs to get their rushing game started early in the game.  LSU has one of the best rush defenses in the country as well as pass defense, so it will be up to Trent Richardson and company to take the pressure off AJ McCarron, who has thrown 3 Interceptions this year. The biggest flaw in this offense is a lack of scoring in the first half.  They MUST produce some points against this LSU defense in the early stages of the game. If they slip too far behind, it might be too late.  Alabama's defense is the best in nation, averaging less than 7 points per game scored against them. They have stopped the run and pass all year, but they haven't faced an offense like LSU’s. The Tide should watch out for trick plays as well as big plays. There's no telling what the Mad Hatter has up his sleeves. If the Bama defense stays as disciplined as they have all year, they should be in good shape.

In my opinion, LSU is the only team that can beat Alabama; and Alabama is the only team that can beat LSU. Just goes to show the power of the SEC. I think the NCAA should bring the National championship trophy to Tuscaloosa this Saturday and crown the winners national champs right then and there. It would save some Big 10 team both embarrassment and injuries. It's going to be a great game and I can’t wait to watch it!

My prediction, though, is ALABAMA wins at home 28-24.

Thanks to Alex for an excellent column! Any comments/ thoughts on the game this Saturday?