National Title Preview

You all have heard tons about this game, #1 LSU vs. #2 Alabama. SEC vs. SEC. Rematch. Defense vs. Defense. Two of the best coaches in the country. Time for the Danger Zone Sports Breakdown

Offense: LSU's ground attack is led by the two headed monster of Michael Ford (755 yards and 7 touchdowns) and Spencer Ward (700 yards, 8 touchdowns). The Tigers rank 17th in the country with 215.2 rushing yards per game and dual-threat quarterback Jordan Jefferson (248 rushing yards, 684 passing yards, 9 total touchdowns) is trusted to not make mistakes and move the Tigers' offense when they are faced with long-yardage situations. Alabama is led by arguably the best back in the country, Trent Richardson (1,583 yards, 20 touchdowns) and as Richardson goes, so does the offense. Under center for the Tide is AJ McCarron (2,400 yards, 16 touchdowns, 5 interceptions) who has served as a great complement to the Tide's dominating rushing attack.
Edge: Alabama is more consistent but this game will be won on big plays, so I'll give a very slight edge to LSU.

Defense: The defenses were the highlight of the first game (a game won in overtime by LSU 9-6), and tonight's game shouldn't be any different. Alabama has the best scoring defense in the country allowing a minuscule 8.8 points per game. The Crimson Tide also rank number one in total defense, allowing less than 200 yards a game. The second best scoring defense in the nation belongs to LSU who allow 10.5 points per game, the second best total defense in the country also belongs to LSU who allow 252 yards per game. The only edge in defense that LSU has is turnovers. LSU has forced 12 fumbles and picked off 18 passes as compared to Alabama's 18 total forced turnovers.

Edge: Despite LSU's turnover capabilities, Alabama is overall too strong defensively to not give them the edge.

Special Teams: LSU has the edge in returns thanks to cornerback Tyrann Mathieu who has brought back 2 touchdowns so far this season and ranks second nationally with 16.2 yards per punt return. In the kicking game the teams are very even. LSU's kicker Drew Alleman is hitting 88.9% of his field goals and Alabama's Jeremy Shelley is hitting 80%. The game could come down to field postion and in the punting game the edge goes to LSU and their Austrailian punter Brad Wing who ranks 14th in the country averaging 44.4 yards per punt.

Edge: LSU has the edge here and the game could come down to special teams just like the first time.

Intangibles: LSU won the first game and did end the year as the only undefeated team in the nation, they are playing for pride and to prove that they are truly the best team in the country. Alabama looks to prove that they deserved another shot at the Tigers so this game promises to be a hard-fought contest. I also give LSU the edge in coaching department as well, Les Miles always has something cooking under that hat of his and I expect LSU to pull out some trick plays that will turn the momentum of the game.

Edge: LSU


Prediction: LSU 20 Alabama 14