NFL
The No.1 LSU Tigers travel to Tuscaloosa on Saturday to take on the No.2, Alabama Crimson Tide. Bama has beaten LSU 5 of the last 6 times by double-digits, and hasn’t lost in the series since 2011.
This is not your father’s or older brother’s LSU team. Their defense is still very good but, this team is winning because of their offense. Quarterback, Joe Burrow is putting up “video-game” like numbers. He is completing 78% of his passes, he has 30 passing touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. Justin Jefferson could be the best WR in college football. He has 55 receptions and 9 touchdowns. Ja’Marr Chase has 9 touchdowns and Terrance Marshall Jr. has 7 TD catches on the year. Burrow’s has been spreading the ball around and their running game has been impressive. Both Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Tyrion David-Price are averaging over 5 yards per carry. This team has no weakness on offense.
LSU must put pressure on the Alabama quarterbacks. They have 20 sacks in 8 games. They must disrupt Alabama’s offense and create turnovers. Senior linebacker Michael Divinity has left the Tigers for “personal reasons.” The Louisiana native has 23 tackles and three sacks on the year. Other players will have to step up and they can. This unit has 12 players who have 20 or more tackles this season.
Tua Tagovailoa will be a game-time decision for Alabama. When healthy, he has been one of the best college football players this years. The former Hawaii high school star has completed 74% of hiss passes, thrown for 27 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions. Mac Jones, in limited action, has completed 70% of his passes and has 4 touchdown and 1 interception.
The Crimson Tide wide receiving group is the best in the country. DeVonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs all have over 500 receiving yards and 23 touchdown catches combined. Alabama’s top 4 running backs all average over 4.7 yards per carry.
Defensively Alabama has been good not great. They have given up over 23 points 3 times in 8 games. Their 4 linebackers lead this unit. Xavier McKinney, Shane Lee, Anfernee Jennings and Christian Harris all have at least 40 tackles.
Prediction:
Las Vegas has Alabama as a 6.5 point favorite. Nick Saban is one of the best coaches in the country for a reason. Not only does he coach every week like it is a national championship, but, He is tremendous coming off a bye week. The more time he has to prepare the better his team is. LSU has all the pressure in the world on them. They are going up against a team that has dominated them for years. Will they be able to overcome and early deficit or turnover in the 3rd quarter?
This is going to be a great, high scoring game. LSU’s offense could be better than Clemson’s last year. But, Saban will take something away from Burrow. I expect the LSU QB, to fumble or have an interception late in the game. Alabama’s elite WR’s make big plays early, often and late in the 4th quarter. Saban out coaches Ed Orgeron
Alabama wins… 41-37
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