You know it’s a big game when fans are clamoring for a rematch before the first one is even played. I’m talking, of course, about this weekend’s matchup between LSU and Alabama. This is the Super Bowl of the 2011 College Football Season, the clash of SEC titans, the de facto play-in game for the BCS National Championship Game. How evenly matched are these teams? Alabama has scored 315 points and 40 touchdowns this season; LSU has scored 314 points and 41 touchdowns. Who wins? It’s anybody’s best guess. But the Daily’s Chris Johnson and Kevin Trahan were kind enough to give us their predictions.
Johnson: LSU took on one of the nation’s best offenses in its first game of the year, trouncing then No. 3 Oregon 40-27. The score is deceiving, it wasn’t close at all. The Tigers haven’t been tested all season, dispelling the notion of “SEC parity” by overcoming potential “roadblocks” with ease. Les Miles’ crew took down Florida and Auburn, two of the conference’s better teams this year, by a combined score of 86-21.
But this is Alabama. This is different. The Crimson Tide have a bona fide Heisman Trophy candidate in tailback Trent Richardson, a quarterback who has thrown three interceptions all season and a defense littered with NFL-caliber talent. They also have two of the conference’s most explosive receivers in Darius Hanks and Marquis Maze. LSU may have manhandled its opponents thus far this season, but Alabama can match it physically.
The Crimson Tide have the nation’s best run defense, giving up an average of 26.9 rushing yards per game. This presents a major dilemma for LSU, who for the first time all season, may have to actually rely on its quarterback. Jarrett Lee has been praised this season, but for what? Lee hasn’t won any games this season for the Tigers. As a game-manager, he’s been superb. But on Saturday night, in one of the most hostile environments in the country (Bryant-Denny Stadium), Lee will have to make plays against Alabama’s vaunted secondary, a group that includes two future NFL draft picks in cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and safety Mark Barron.
Unlike the last matchup between a No. 1 and No. 2 in the regular season (Ohio State and Michigan in 2006), there is no clear-cut favorite here. While LSU has the more impressive track record this season, Alabama has home-field advantage and a more experienced team. There are still players remaining from that 2010 championship roster, and that’s the key.
This game will be played in the 20s. Although LSU’s athleticism will frustrate Alabama early, Richardson will take over in the fourth quarter. The junior will go for 150-plus with two touchdowns and take a large step towards Andrew Luck in this year’s Heisman race. Two words: Roll Tide…..all the way to the Superdome for the BCS National Championship Game.
Prediction: Alabama 24 LSU 22
Trahan: As the
