Alabama's Evil Genius Meets LSU's Mad Hatter With Everything At Stake (C v C)

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In addition to getting bragging rights, the winner when No. 9 LSU meets No. 3 Alabama in Tuscaloosa this Saturday will be in the driver’s seat to win the SEC West. That should, in turn, secure the winner a spot in the SEC Championship for what has become the annual play-in for the BCS National Title game.

For the Tide perspective see Walter Kirkwood's Take:

Here is a detailed look at the game from a Tiger's perspective:

Overview: This might have been the most highly anticipated and heavily scrutinized year in recent Tiger memory as LSU fans hoped the team would rebound from a disappointing 2008 campaign. 

After wins—yet less than dominant performances—against the likes of Washington, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State, no one seemed to be buying anything more than another five-loss flop this year. 

That seemed to be all but certain when the anemic offense was unable to scrounge more than three points and a dozen first downs against Florida at Home.

Three short weeks and two impressive offensive out-bursts (netting 73 points) later and the Tigers seem to be peaking at the perfect time.

Sophomore QB Jordan Jefferson—who may have been protected, if not hidden by early season game-planning—has really blossomed and the play book has opened up.

The defense, under first year coordinator John "The Chief" Chavis, has steadily improved with each outing since an inauspicious start in Seattle.

After shutting down fierce rival and then No. 1 offense Auburn and shutting out forgotten rival Tulane, LSU is again near the top of the SEC in scoring defense allowing just 12.1 points per contest. 

In fact, in the last three games, which includes Florida and Auburn, the Tigers’ defense has yielded just 7.6 points per game and is without question the strength of the team.

An x-factor could be special teams. The Tigers aren’t exactly known for "Beamer Ball" type special teams but they do have the ability to turn a game around with all phases of their kick-off and return teams.

The final piece of the puzzle lies under the brim of the second most famous hat in the history of college football.  Les Miles earned the nick name as "The Mad Hatter" for being willing to make gutsy calls in big situations with everything hanging in the balance.

As much as Miles has been criticized this year (and last) for not continuing to make those calls, don’t be surprised if the Hat comes roaring back this Saturday.  The key to those calls, despite the accusations that it was all the luck of a riverboat gambler, is opportunity, personnel, and confidence.

Since 2007, the personnel and confidence have been the issue, most notably at the quarterback position.  The Auburn game’s play-calling would suggest that Miles’ and by extension, offensive coordinator Gary Crowton’s confidence in Jordan Jefferson has reached a higher level.

That could mean a "Return of the Riverboat Gambler" theme for College Gameday Final on Saturday Night, which would suit LSU fans just fine—no matter how wrong the label might be. 

Rating the Teams:  

Offense: Given the poor performance in early games and as recently as three weeks ago versus Florida it is hard to imagine the No. 100 ranked total offense putting up many points against the, at times over whelming, extremely well coached defense of the Crimson Tide, which ranks No. 4 in the country.

Nonetheless, the offense, has improved immensely and has the weapons—WRs Brandon LaFell, Terrance Tolliver, Ruben Randall; RBs Charles Scott, Keiland Williams as well as WMDs Russell Sheppard and Trindon Holliday—to score from anywhere at any time. 

Moreover, they may only need to generate moderate scoring and enough time of possession to keep the Tide’s offense off the field as much as possible.

On the other sideline, Heisman hopeful Mark Ingram and the Tide’s running game – ranked No.4 in the SEC –

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