Many times in college football, “big games” can simply be an illusion. The anticipation is bigger than the actual game, and once the season is over you realize the “big game” wasn’t so big after all.
However, other times games are so big the earth will move, and the anticipation is only surpassed by what’s at stake for the winner. The tension will be as thick as the night fog, and the electricity will make your hair stand on end.
I give you…LSU/ALABAMA…2009.
Unless you’ve been resting quietly under the most comfortable of rocks, you know the importance of this game cannot be understated. What’s at stake? For LSU and Alabama, a Western Division title hangs in the balance, a birth in the SEC title game, and for Alabama…another step closer to an undefeated season and possible national championship.
While Alabama currently remains perfect, the LSU Tigers are not far behind. The only LSU loss this season was to the Florida Gators. Granted, the Tigers have looked very overrated at times and struggled on the offensive side of the ball during the early portion of the season, but LSU still has loads of talent.
LSU Players to Watch:
At the quarterback position the LSU Tigers are led by Jordan Jefferson. The Tiger signal caller has a very strong arm and is very fleet of foot. Jefferson has no problem running with the ball when the pocket breaks down. Alabama must be aware of Jefferson running the ball if the open receiver is not available. Jefferson is certainly a dual threat, and the Tide defense must be ready for any and everything.
Running back Charles Scott is a beast. Although he has been less than productive in 2009, Scott is a big back and physical runner. Alabama is a “brick house” against the run and it must continue on Saturday.
Russell Shepard is listed as a running back, but like Trindon Holliday…he is simply an athlete. LSU loves to give Shepard the opportunity to showcase his speed and like Holliday, he is very versatile.
As for the aforementioned Trindon Holliday, look for the LSU speed merchant to be used anytime, anywhere, on offense. Holliday will return kickoffs, punts, take the handoff from the wide receiver position, be the recipient of screen passes…etc. Holliday was a non factor against Alabama in 2008, and the Tide must make him a spectator once again on Saturday.
At the wide receiver position LSU has solid skill players in the form of Brandon LaFell and Terrance Toliver. Both men are practically interchangeable and are the favorite targets of quarterback Jordon Jefferson. If Alabama has a weak spot on defense, it certainly is found in the secondary. Alabama has shown inconsistent play at times and LSU will certainly look to expose any missed assignment or mental lapse in the Alabama pass coverage.
Game Overview and Prediction:
In respect to Alabama, we all know what the Tide defense is capable of in terms of holding the opposition at bay. However, if the offense ever needed a time to shine…this would certainly be the game.
On the surface this contest reeks of the Ole Miss game. LSU wears a nice plate of armor but visible cracks are all across the surface. Statistics don’t lie and LSU currently ranks dead last in terms on total offense in the conference. In respect to a passing attack, everyone seems to frown upon the Alabama passing game, well, LSU is statistically worse. Finally to close the deal, LSU also ranks 10th in the conference in respect to rushing offense.
The Tigers have avoided disaster thanks to a strong defense, but on paper the LSU offense is far worse than the Crimson Tide. When you take a poor offense and place it against a stellar defense, bad things can happen. If LSU cannot establish a solid ground attack and are forced to pass, the Alabama defense could have a fantastic day!
Now I understand one could easily “flip the script” in favor of LSU, however, for as bad as the Crimson Tide offense has looked at times…LSU is statistically worse. Does LSU have strong defense, yes…but Alabama is statistically better.
This game is bigger than others, despite what anyone has to say on the subject. However, just like any other game, this contest will be determined by the players. The lost art of fundamentals and discipline still goes a long way.
After every media type and fan has thrown a couple of pennies in the pot…the better team will in fact win. The Alabama “bend but don’t break” defense will once again turn away LSU when it matters the most.
Prediction: Alabama 24 LSU 19
LSU/Alabama will be televised on CBS with kickoff expected around 2:35 p.m. central time.
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