LSU vs. Alabama: 5 Bold Predictions for the Big Game

Four days...

That's how long we have to wait until the "Game of the Century" is here.

Two great defenses, two game-managing offenses, two exceptional coaches.

Something has to give.

How is this game going to play out? Is there any way to predict what the outcome might be of this game?

Let's get brave and break down five bold predictions for the big game.

Bleacher Report Style!

1. There Will Be a Defensive Touchdown

Both of these teams feature the two best secondaries in the country.

In fact, it wouldn't be surprising that there are at least four or five players from these two secondaries drafted in the NFL in the next year or two.

Tyrann Mathieu was suspended for the Tigers last game against Auburn, but he will be back for this big-time game and he should be the best defensive back on the field.

Let's also not forget about Dre Kirkpatrick, Mo Claiborne and Mark Barron.

With all these stars out on the field this Saturday, there is bound to be an interception and there is bound to be a defensive touchdown.

I'm leaning towards Mathieu, but mark it, there will be one.

2. Trent Richardson Will Run for More Yards Than A.J. McCarron Will Throw for

We mentioned the dominant defensive backfield for LSU on the previous slide. Combine that with the fact that A.J. McCarron is a first year quarterback playing in what is by far his biggest game of his college career, and this Alabama offense should go as its running game goes.

In other words, look for big numbers from All-American back Trent Richardson. In fact, look for him to pile up more rushing yards than A.J. McCarron does passing yards.

You would think that Alabama wants to make this game as simple as possible for McCarron. So if this Alabama team is going to break some big plays, it will likely come on the legs of their standout running back.

Trent Richardson time...

3. Each Team Will Throw an Interception

The strength of these teams lie in their defense and their running game.

With that said, they can't just run the ball the entire time, so both of these teams are going to have to throw the ball at some point. When that does happen, there will be turnovers—for both teams.

It's hard not to give Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee a slight edge over A.J. McCarron because of experience, but either way, don't think that both of these teams are going to leave this game without throwing an interception.

4. Jordan Jefferson Will Lead the Tigers in Rushing

This isn't to say that Spencer Ware, Michael Ford and Alfred Blue aren't going to have good games. But look for Jefferson to break the biggest run of the game, and therefore, lead the Tigers in rushing.

The Tide have seen plenty of running backs, and they have shut down plenty of running backs.

But what this team hasn't seen this season is a quarterback with the running ability of Jefferson's. He has the most experience of any quarterback in this game, and all signs point to him being a big difference in the outcome.

Look for J.J. to break one for a big score in this game.

5. LSU Will Win

Both teams feature great defenses and great rushing attacks, so there has to be an X-Factor somewhere here.

I think that X-Factor is Jordan Jefferson.

This game will be real close, and will probably come down to the final minutes of the game. In fact, don't be surprised to see it be decided by a field goal in the closing seconds. But I think that LSU is on the winning end of that field goal, punching their golden ticket to the SEC title and marching onto the National Championship game with the win.

LSU 27, Alabama 24

Book it...