The LSU Tigers (8-0 / 5-0 SEC) will travel to Tuscaloosa to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide (8-0 / 5-0 SEC) next weekend. Both teams have a schedule bye this week leading up to the biggest game of the year on November 5th 2011. Alabama will have the benefit of playing in front of their home crowd at the Bryant-Denny Stadium. LSU is currently ranked the #1 team in the country while the Crimson Tide our ranked #2 in the country in the BCS, AP and Coaches Rankings.
LSU Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Odds 
Every college football fan knew before the season even started that this would most likely be the biggest game of the season and that’s going to be the case next weekend. At the start of the season Alabama opened up as a -6 point favorite, but the odds have been dropping this week and the Crimson Tide are now favored by -4.5 points. I have a feeling that this line is going to go up a bit more before game time on November 5th 2011 and I’d expect Alabama to be favored by -6 points at the most.
The over/under total on the game hasn’t been released yet, but with the way these two defenses have been playing you can be sure that the total isn’t going to be very big. I’d have to see what the bookies set the total at, but I’d lean under based on the two defenses and the fact that neither offense should be that explosive next weekend in Tuscaloosa. If you want to bet on LSU you should wait until the +4.5 moves up closer to +6 again, but if you want to bet on Alabama you should bet now before game time. Bet On The Game Online Here
LSU Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Offensive Analysis
Both of the offenses have been practically identical this season and that doesn’t surprise me. LSU and Alabama remain at the top of the country with defense before offense. So far this season the Tigers have averaged 183.1 PYG (99th Overall), 189 RYG (29th Overall) and 39.3 PPG (15th Overall) on offense. Alabama has managed to average 228.4 PYG (61st Overall), 229.3 RYG (15th Overall) and 39.4 PPG (14th Overall) on the offensive side of the ball.
Both teams have scored the same number of TD’s (37) this season as one another, but the Crimson Tide has turned the ball over slightly more than LSU. LSU has only thrown 1 INT and fumbled the ball 7 times while the Crimson Tide have thrown 5 INT’s and fumbled the ball 5 times. The turnover margin advantage is small for LSU and Alabama ranks better in the other three offensive categories, which in my opinion gives the edge to the Crimson Tide on the offensive side of the ball.
LSU Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Defensive Analysis
LSU and Alabama both have remarkable defenses this season and we might not see two teams with such exceptional defensive play again for another decade. If we take a look at the numbers they’re fairly close, but the edge has to be given to Alabama in my opinion. Alabama ranks 1st overall in the country by only giving up an average of 6.9 PPG on defense while LSU gives up only 11.5 PPG, which is good for 3rd best in the country.
The Tigers have a very small edge in the turnover margin and sacks category on defense, but the edge is so small that is isn’t going to play a major role in this game. Alabama might not turn the ball over as much as you’d like or hope, but they’re very stingy on defense and don’t give up many yards or points. Playing in Tuscaloosa is going to be difficult for LSU and I feel they’d have a much better chance if the game could be played on a neutral field, but that simply isn’t the case.
LSU Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Analysis Review
After looking at the offense and defense it’s fairly clear that Alabama has the edge if both teams play up to their ability. There are other factors you need to look at for a game of this magnitude though. The special teams on both squads are nothing special, so I wouldn’t expect much from either team on special teams. If one team can block a FG/Punt or return a kick it could change the entire game and that’s one way that LSU could pull off the upset.
Another factor that LSU needs to watch out for in this game is penalties. The team has been penalized much more than Bama has this season and they need to be disciplined next weekend if they want to win the game. Trent Richardson is going to play a huge role in this game as well and could be the X-Factor that Alabama needs in this game. Neither offense is that potent, but Richardson is currently a leading Heisman candidate and could seal the deal on the Heisman award with a big week against LSU.
How LSU Tigers Win
LSU Tigers have had the tougher schedule up to this point, so they should be ready for the game of their lives. LSU has already knocked off the Oregon, Mississippi State, West Virginia, Florida and Auburn this season. Oregon and West Virginia put up 27 and 21 points against the Tigers, but everyone else has been held at bay. Both Oregon and West Virginia have potent offenses, but as long as LSU can stop Trent Richardson they should keep Alabama’s scoring opportunities to a minimum.
LSU will also need to find a way to put up points over the Alabama defense, which won’t be an easy task. LSU has put up a ton of points against most defenses, but they only scored 19 against Mississippi State. Ware and Ford will need to be able to pick up yards on the ground to take pressure off of the QB duo of Lee and Jefferson. Jefferson is back from suspension, but he’s only thrown the ball 10 times this season. I expect Lee and Jefferson to both get a chance to move the ball against Alabama next weekend.
Alabama has had success throwing the ball against most defenses, but LSU should be able to cause lots of issues for McCarron in this match-up. The key for LSU will be stopping the Alabama running game and putting up points on the Crimson Tide defense when they have good opportunities. Points will be at a premium, so LSU needs to ensure they don’t take silly penalties or else they’re going to lose the field battle and most likely the game.
How Alabama Crimson Tide Win
Alabama will be playing at home in front of a packed house of their beloved fans. You can bet that Saban will have his squad ready to battle with LSU from the opening kick-off. Alabama took care of Tennessee in the 2nd half last week, but they looked horrible on offense in the 1st half and that can’t happen against a team like LSU. Richardson is going to need to have a big game and rush for 100+ yards to win this game in my opinion.
Richardson has 17 of the team’s offensive TD’s while McCarron has only thrown for 10 TD’s and that includes his stats from horrible teams this season. There is no doubt that if Richardson is unable to get going the Alabama offense is going to have trouble putting up points against a defense as good as LSU. Maze is also a play maker that needs to have a big game for Alabama on offense.
Maze has been McCarron’s go-to WR this season and he’ll need to make a few catches to keep his offense on the field for extended drives. Maze is also returning the ball on special teams the majority of the time and he’s been doing a great job at ensuring his offense is starting with excellent field position. Field position is going to be a huge battle in this game and I think if Alabama wins the battle they’ll win the game.
Alabama hasn’t had a hiccup on defense this season, so as long as the offense doesn’t turn the ball over I don’t see how the LSU offense is going to move the ball down the field. If Alabama has a really good game on offense I think they’re defense will be enough to win them the game at home.
LSU Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Prediction
Alabama has an edge on the offense and defense thus far this season plus they get to play at home. All of these factors lead me to believe that Alabama should win this game, but will not! I think Alabama was looking ahead a bit to this game in the 1st half against Tennessee, and now will only be looking back against the Tigers ! Bet the Tigers in a statistical upset. Confident you know who will win ? If so, why not win some dough on it ? You can bet the game online now
Final Score Prediction: LSU Tigers 20 Alabama Crimson Tide 10
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
This game is why college football is so much better than anything the NFL can offer. Both teams have class, play hard, are well coached, and are winners. May the team that plays best tonight win and we would all love to see a rematch in the “big one.”
SIZE AND EXECUTION WILL GIVE ALABABAMA THE EDGE IN THE FOURTH QTR. ALABAMA WILL PULL AWAY IN THE EARLY PART OF THE FOURTH> ALABAMA 41 LSU 14
All I have to say is there will be some mad people in Tuscaloosa.
LSU 34 BAMA 21
Alabama and LSU have had some of the greatest overtime games with the closest score margins!!! This game is going to be epic and jaw clenching! I still have to give my boys the win though 28-27 dub overtime! ROOOOOLLLL TIIIDE!!!!
We will know who wins Saturday evening. I hope it’s Alabama, but I won’t jinx them by predicting the outcome. In any event, I think that we will get to see a great game, and I hope that nobody gets hurt and that both teams play honorably…
Who has the tide played that was half way good??????? LSU has beat oregon (ranked top 10), miss. st. (top 15), west virginia (top 15), flordia (was ranked at the time) auburn ranked,. …. And destroyed them all!!! By no means will this be a blow out, it will be about mistakes and special teams… I think it will be a 3 point game in the last 5 min of the 4th. I bleed purple and gold so theres no doubt who I will pick.. but to all the bama fans that think your D is the best, you lack the deepth that LSU has!!! our 3rd string is as good as your 1st and that makes for alot of tired D-linesman and Secondary.. I think Bama isn’t ready for a strong LSU offence and a Defense as fast if not faster/ as big if not bigger than theirs is. Good luck to all, and if bama’s D could take out Jefferson, I thank you..!!! He should have never been able to step back on the field at tiger stadium and is a discrace to all of the LSU fans… Unfourtanly the donors and heavy hitters that contribute to the university don’t see it that way……….
Bama just keep quiet and do your job. Cockiness is the enemy and LSU is good at that. They have big egos and big mouths.
They are already doing their trash talking. Bama is a classy team BAMA 17 LSU 10
Alabama 17 – Lsu 14…. Its going yo be a good game but I think BAMA will pull it off in the end!!!!
I am a hardcore bama fan and I am already nervous. I don’t know what to think about the game, I guess the whole nation will find out Saturday night. But I am going to go with my Tide 24-17. Best of luck to both teams but ROLL TIDE ROLL!
I think LSU will beat Alabama 27 to 24 and this game will be an offensive game because the two great defenses offset each other.
LSU will win . Can’t predict a score but i can predict the winner, which is LSU.
#Let’s Go Tigers (:
Currently the betting public is trending towards LSU with 58% of all bets siding with them. Obviously this can and does change every hour until kickoff. Some good news, we have not heard any reports on serious injuries for this game. I forgot to include the TV lineup within the original news article. Your able to watch the LSU vs Alabama game on CBS.
Got to go with the home crowd… 20 – 10 Bama… GL Alan!
This game will come down to one or two big plays. LSU’s been known for making huge defensive efforts this year that have really demoralized their opponents. With Tyrann Mathieu leading the secondary (and a deep secondary, at that), Alabama will have a difficult time along the perimeter despite the abilities of Marquise Maze and Michael Williams. That said, Alabama’s pass offense may come with shorter strikes to Brad Smelley and Trent Richardson, as well as Eddie Lacy (potentially). Obviously, Alabama’s run will more than likely be its primary weapon against LSU’s front line and Richardson has proven more than once his ability to see and exploit the smallest of creases. —On the other side of the football, Alabama’s defense has been staunch, to say the least of their abilities. They’ve snuffed their opponents out consistently, with their “poorest” (I use the term lightly) effort coming against the now 8-1 Nittany Lions (as of 10/30/2011). But it’s clear that their corners are the chink in the armor and LSU is more than capable of exploiting that deficiency. Jordan Jefferson’s run ability will also cause some problems for Alabama; the Tide need to make sure they don’t overcommit to the blitz or play too soft a zone or Jefferson will make sure he makes positive yardage. When the game is over, I feel Alabama’s defensive stance will ultimately overcome LSU but it will not be easy by any stretch and they will have it by the closest margin of victory for them the entire season.
Alabama will win this game, but i won’t predict the score because the Crimson Tide has the #1 RUSHING & SCORING D in the nation & lsu is mostly a passing team & im sure they’ll have trouble with Kilpatrick,Barron & Lester in Alabama’s secondary, if they suck in the passing game, then they won’t have a chance in the running game either ROOOOOOOLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!
42 to 10 Alabama
playing before 104,000 alabama fans
Ha tide 21 lsu 17
Number one team pulling off the upset? Haha Alabama has better d and more of a balanced o.. and better coaching staff… o and home field. AL 24 LSU 14
lsu 31 alabama 14