LSU vs. Alabama: Why a Rematch Is Bad for College Football

On the night of November 5^th, the No. 1-ranked LSU Tigers will travel to Tuscaloosa to play the No. 2-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.

It’s the first matchup of one versus two since 2006 (Ohio State- Michigan), and it’s the game of the year in college football.

College football is unique on many levels, but the emotion of the sport is its best attribute. Every game means so much for each team and its fans. The results of games stay with teams and players for a year until the next time they clash.

It’s that emotion that’s evident in a stadium on a crisp, fall day. It’s that emotion that even TV viewers can feel.

With talks of a playoff and a potential rematch evident, the game between Alabama and LSU is special because both don’t yet exist.

There should never be a playoff in college football and there should not be a rematch between these two SEC rivals.  Saturday, November 5^th, and the intense buildup leading up to the game, are why.

Imagine if there was a rematch, or even the probability of one.

In a playoff scenario, LSU and Alabama would both receive solid playoff seeds. Many fans would predict this game to be the first between the schools. Much of the luster of this game would be lost in the idea that this is only round one of the future national championship-game matchup.

A potential rematch under certain circumstances (Clemson, Oklahoma State losing) has been a hot topic lately. It would be better for college football if that does not happen.

This game will always be remembered, then. LSU and Alabama’s seasons would forever be defined by this game—not the rematch game in the BCS National Championship.

One-versus-two clashes happen in bowl games, especially in the BCS era. That’s a good thing. Bowl games should be for national championships. They should feature games between teams from different conferences. It's the best aspect of the bowl season.

Regular season one-versus-two matchups are rare. They should be preserved.

There should never be a playoff in college football, and there should not be a rematch between LSU and Alabama.