BCS Bowl Predictions: Why Alabama's Loss to LSU Was a Blessing in Disguise

When the Crimson Tide faced off against LSU earlier this season the Tide expected to win the ball game and head to the National title game. A win against LSU would seal the Tide’s likely fate and would send them to the SEC title game and beyond.

Without a win in the November 5th showdown, it looked like the hunt for the national title in 2011 would be over for the Crimson Tide. The BCS has had one of the craziest years ever since the inception of the system and it looks like Alabama may make it back into the title game even with a loss.

Because the Tide lost their game to LSU, and LSU is in their own division inside the SEC, LSU won the division and will head into the SEC championship this coming weekend. The Tide will be sitting at home however, awaiting their opportunity to play LSU for a second time this season.

What the BCS will likely bring to finish the season will be something that the national title game has never witnessed. For the first time ever, the BCS title game may host two teams from the same conference.

Alabama is looking back to that November loss and they have to be somewhat happy that the system has decided on a possible rematch. For Alabama, they are playing one less game than the Tigers, which is a huge wear on a team. Granted, it is just one game, but a win is a necessity.  

The wear and tear that LSU will face with an additional game is huge. Alabama really benefits with a loss against LSU more than LSU has gained from the win. The win in November has forced a more difficult path for the Tigers despite them winning the game and deserving the easier path of the two teams.

Another benefit that the Tide will find with their possible rematch with the Tigers is that all of the pressure for the repeated victory falls to LSU. Alabama will go into the game ranked behind the LSU Tigers and will enter the game as the likely underdog. Alabama has no pressure.

Alabama will expect to earn a win in what will virtually be a home game for LSU in New Orleans, as some of the experts are sure to pick the Tide to win the rematch. No matter who is the victor, it will surely be one of the best games of the college football season. 

What would have usually been an elimination game for the Tide turned into a springboard for the Tide to avoid the SEC title game but still find their way to the national title game. The Tide could not have scripted this situation any better. This may just be the Tide’s year.