Alabama’s physicality proves too much for LSU

While the Alabama football program is in “the process” of building the greatest dynasty in the history of the collegiate ranks, per some, the Crimson Tide still have something to prove.

While the “haters gonna hate” motif is about as worn as Miley Cyrus’ foam finger, if any program has ever had a legion of “haters”…it would be Alabama.

Alabama crowd chanting "WE WANT BAMA"
— Matt Scalici (@MattScalici) November 10, 2013

Yes, the disdain for the Alabama football program is strong, but as history now records, Alabama’s resolve against LSU…was far stronger. When the chips were down, the Crimson Tide successfully “processed” yet another opposition.

Leading 17-14 at intermission, with the game, and season, very much on the line, Alabama dominated the second half of play en route to a convincing 38-17 victory over the LSU Tigers.

Alabama's OJ Howard scores against LSU in first half action. #mgmrolltide #rolltide @mgmsports pic.twitter.com/5SLKu5IQpy
— Mickey Welsh  (@mickeywelsh) November 10, 2013

Unable to sustain a ground attack, LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger was forced to drive the LSU car all by himself. The task would prove to be unfruitful, and by the latter stages of the contest, Mettenberger would be virtually eaten alive by the Crimson Tide defense. In his final snap of the game, a 4th and 28 scenario, Mettenberger would be crushed by a host of Alabama tacklers. In that moment, essentially a definitive summary of the second half for the Tigers, a physically wilted Mettenberger would limp to the LSU sideline.

Alabama defense held LSU to 3 points and 52 total yards in the second half.
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) November 10, 2013

While the Crimson Tide offense did have a rather balanced attack in the initial half of play, highlighted by touchdown receptions courtesy of tight end O.J. Howard and wide receiver Kevin Norwood, the second stanza offered far more physicality up front, and far more overall production.

In an age of aerial assaults and 400 yard passing performances, the Alabama offense relied on the ground attack. T.J. Yeldon, who delivered bruising run after bruising run, finished the game with 133 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

The more physical tone, displayed on both sides of the ball, appeared to visually increase the confidence of the entire Alabama squad, while mentally and physically draining the life out of LSU.

C.J. Mosley on breaking LSU's will: "Closer to the end of the game, I looked into the quarterback’s eyes and I could just tell."
— Marquavius Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) November 10, 2013

When the clock finally hit zero, Nick Saban and AJ McCarron shared an embrace, and the Alabama detractors, more than likely, downed another drink. Perhaps, just perhaps, a portion of the “process” is about teaching people to be tolerant of the success and achievement of others.

With the victory over LSU, Alabama improves to 9-0 on the season and 6-0 in the SEC.

---Complete Stats---

Top-ranked Alabama tricks, then pounds on No. 13 LSU to stay unbeaten http://t.co/sigDzYurYx
— Michael Casagrande (@ByCasagrande) November 10, 2013