Alabama vs. LSU: 5 Things Neither Team Should Do in Upcoming BCS Show

Top 5 things neither team can afford to do in this next game.

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer)  In the last game they played against each other, both the Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers made mistakes, but of course one of them won anyway. In this case it was LSU.

But there are some things you can do in this next game that may make it impossible for you to come out on top of the game and take home the crystal football.

Let's examine what those five things are for each team.

No Cheap Special Teams Touchdowns

Neither team can afford to give up an easy touchdown on a kick or punt return.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Touchdowns were non-existent in the last game and could be precious this time around. Neither team can afford to give up a cheap, easy score with a punt of kickoff return, and both teams are capable of pulling off such a feat.

Extra care must be taken in covering those special team events.

Each Team Must Not Turn the Ball over This Time Around

Neither team can afford a fumble or INT this time around.

The last time around, each team had two turnovers and washed out each other's mistakes.

It's hard to believe that will happen again. The team with the most turnovers will almost certainly lose this upcoming game.

Neither Team Can Allow the Opponent to Establish the Running Game.

Neither team can allow the other to establish the run and win.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Whoever can control the running game will win this next game. It is unlikely that Jordan Jefferson will beat Alabama with his arm and almost as unlikely that A.J. McCarron will pull off that feat.

Stopping the running game is crucial to both teams. The one that does it best wins the game.

Neither Side Can Afford to Lose the Penalty Wars

Neither side can allow penalties to let the opponent continue offensive drives. (photo flickr.com)

In the last game, LSU won both the game and penalty wars by a count of 56 yards to Alabama's 73. One of Alabama's penalties cost them yardage in a field goal attempt they would wind up missing.

The same result could happen again to the loser of this game's penalty wars.

Neither Team Can Afford to Be as Conservative as Last Time

This time around, both teams are going to have to take some shots down field.
Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

Both teams know that it's going to be hard to be as conservative as they were last time. Both teams must have quarterbacks who at least keep on eye down field and try to take advantage of the opportunities for some big plays.

The likely winner of this game won't do so by being as conservative as last time.

(Larry Burton is a syndicated writer whose work appears online and in print. If you'd like to keep up with all his articles, follow him on Twitter and sign up as a fan on his profile page.)