10/31 LSU Preview
Well, after all of the anticipation and hype, it’s finally time for the “Game of the Century,” as the Number 2 Alabama Crimson Tide is set to square off against the top-ranked LSU Tigers this Saturday in Tuscaloosa. I don’t usually devote an entire blog to a game preview, but if any game merits it, this one does. Like most of us, I’ve been thinking about this game all year, and I feel like I’ve examined every aspect of this matchup until I’m blue in the face. And after all that, I still have no idea what’s going to happen. Here are my thoughts.
The weird thing is that these two teams are actually very similar. We’re both extremely physical defense-based teams with solid “ground and pound” running games and serviceable passing games. Our defense is built around a solid group of space eaters on the interior of the line, backed up by a ferocious group of linebackers, and an excellent secondary. Their defensive line is a little different than ours in that they run a standard 4-3 defense, and as such they get more big plays from their linemen. Sam Montgomery is a future (maybe present) All-American at the DE position, Mingo can wreak some serious havoc as a rush end. Their linebackers fall a little short of ours (but then again, whose wouldn’t?), but they are still very good. However, LSU has arguably the two best cornerbacks in the entire nation. Note that I’m not saying they have the best CB tandem; I’m saying that these are absolutely the two best CBs in the nation. Mathieu is the most vicious ball-hawk that I’ve ever seen. If you’re fortunate enough to throw in his direction without him picking it off, and if by some chance you actually complete a pass against him, you had better wrap up the ball with both hands immediately, because Mathieu is coming after that ball like the Grim Reaper swinging his Scythe. He is also a master blitzer and a spectacular return man. Their other cornerback, Claiborne, is only the top rated defensive back for the NFL draft next year according to Mel Kiper. I never thought I’d say that our opponent would have a better set of CBs that we have, but in this one case, it’s true.
On offense, they aren’t the most spectacular team, but they also really have no weakness. Their wide receivers are excellent. Their combination of Randle, Beckham, and Shepherd is lethal, and is much more frightening than what we put out there. They also have an advantage over us at QB. As a matter of fact, if we injure their QB and they have to put in their second string QB, they’ll still have a huge advantage over us at the QB position. They also have a fantastic 1-2 punch at RB, though Trent Richardson is our biggest weapon, and I wouldn’t trade him for anyone. Hopefully Eddie Lacy will be fully healthy by Saturday, because we’re going to need fresh legs in there at all times, and we have all seen just how explosive Eddie can be when he’s healthy.
So after all of that, what is the key to the game? Really, it’s going to come down to whether we can run the ball. If we can, then we’ll force them to crowd the line which might give us the chance to burn them with some play action passes. The main difference between this game and every other one that we’ve played is that against LSU, we can’t throw the ball if they know we’re going to throw it. If we do find that we can’t run the ball and we have to throw it, we really need to get the TEs involved since they match up better against the LSU linebackers than our WRs do against their secondary. And of course, we really need AJ to throw to the open receiver, and throw the ball where he can catch it.
I know I sound all “gloom and doom” here, but I really don’t mean to. We still have what I consider to be the best college defense in recent memory, and I have faith that those guys will control the game at least to the point where we should have a chance to win it at the end. Last year they beat us on two blown coverages; I hope our defense has progressed to the point where that won’t happen this year. If we can keep it close early, hopefully our defense can settle into one of their grooves that we’ve seen every week so far, and Mr. Upshaw can bring his own unique brand of justice into the LSU backfield. And finally, don’t forget that this game is in Tuscaloosa, where in general we’ve been playing very well over the last several seasons.
So when all is said and done, what do I think will happen? I think that we’re going to come out extremely aggressive, throwing the ball to loosen up their defense, and having success on short passes and crossing routes. I think that our offensive line will play their best game of the year, and open up holes for our running game, making our play action passes effective. I think our defense will have a little trouble with their extremely physical ground attack, but I think they’ll adjust and make key plays when they have to. Ultimately, I think the home field advantage will make the difference, and we’ll pull out the win. I’m not guaranteeing anything, because LSU is a very, very good team, but in all honesty, I think we’re better, and when you have to choose between two teams, pick the better one.
So that’s it for now. Enjoy the game on Saturday. We all know how rare games like these are. Win or lose, it’s great to be a Bama fan at a time when we get to see matchups like this. It would be a lot better if we won though!
As always, feel free to send me any questions or comments. Roll Tide!
Kenny
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