#1 LSU Tigers (13-0) vs #2 Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1)
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
LSU were clearly the best team in the DI-FBS throughout the regular season, beating everyone that was put in front of them, often highly comfortably. Alabama's sole loss was by a field goal in overtime against the Tigers, and while Oklahoma State, Houston and Boise State both also finished with one regular season loss, that close run match gave them the #2 ranking in my eyes. If only just!
This year's bowl season has been pretty spectacular, especially the four BCS Bowls, with two going to overtime, and putting up an average of 94.5 points per game (the 70 scored by West Virginia in the Orange Bowl admittedly helping that figure). While that may hint at things to come, the previous encounter between these two finished 6-6, with the Tigers adding another 3 in overtime, and while it was a nailbiter, it was hardly the most thrilling of games for the neutral.
The nation's two best defences go head to head here, not overly surprising when Les Miles and Nick Saban are the head coaches of the two sides. LSU's defensive line has been almost impenetrable, while sophmore corner Tyrann Mathieu has been utterly explosive, with 2 interceptions returned for touchdowns as well as 2 touchdowns from punt returns. Mathieu found himself becoming a Heisman finalist, and winning the Chuck Bedarnik award for the best defensive player in college football. He also intends (for now) to return for his junior year, so LSU may have a bit of beast on their hands with the "Honey Badger".
On offence, LSU haven't set the world alight, with neither of their senior quarterbacks, Jordan Jefferson or Jarrett Lee putting up spectacular numbers. Running backs Spencer Ware, Alfred Blue and Michael Ford have carried a lot of the offensive weight. That said, the Tigers have put up over 38 points per game, and even the Tide's impressive defence may struggle to contain them.
The Tide are also dominated by their defence, with their defensive line being almost as impenetrable as the Tigers'. They do lack the stand out player that Mathieu is, but Saban and defensive co-ordinator Kirby Smart have set up a tough, tough defence. Junior linebacker Dont'a Hightower is projected to be a late first round NFL Draft pick (Houston, New Orleans and the Giants are reportedly interested), and he is the lynchpin of this solid defence.
On offence, the Tide have another standout running back in Trent Richardson. The junior has already tasted the National Championship when he was Mark Ingram's backup in the 2009 season, and finished third in the Heisman running this year. Sophmore quarterback AJ McCarron has had an up and down season, but with Richardson in his backfield, the spotlight has been off him.
This match promises to be another defensive battle, but I fully expect a higher scoring game than their regular season meeting. The Tigers have almost home advantage, and while the tickets are officially split 50-50, LSU fans have snapped up most of the neutral seats. With over 70,000 travelling the 84 miles upstate from Baton Rouge without a ticket, it's Tiger country in New Orleans tonight. With the city and state still buzzing from the Saints' playoff win on Saturday, Louisiana is rocking.
Alabama will put up a good effort, and I fully expect them to break through LSU's defence at least once. However, I also fully expect the Tigers to put up a couple of touchdowns (perhaps even another defensive one), and pull out the win in a tight, entertaining game.
Prediction: LSU 20 Alabama 17
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