Alabama vs. LSU: Alabama Won't Blow Shot at Redemption in BCS Championship Game

If it's tough to beat a team once, it's often even tougher the second time around.  Alabama knows they were given an golden opportunity at a second chance.  This time around it means even more. 

The first go around was pretty even, except for the fact that the LSU Tigers made all three of their field goal tries and the Alabama Crimson Tide managed to miss four out of six field goal tries. This time around they may opt to go for it in short yardage situations and avoid that nightmare all together. 

Still, despite the misses, it is glaring that Alabama had six opportunities to score to LSU's three and in the end lost by three points.  It should also be noted in LSU's favor that they found a way to win on the road and this game will, of course, be on neutral territory.

The teams themselves are about as close as it gets statistically.  LSU is ranked No. 12 in scoring offense and No. 2 in scoring defense.  Alabama is ranked No. 16 in scoring offense and No. 1 in scoring defense.  LSU has the edge in special teams with their kicker and the electric return skills of Tyrann Mathieu, who has broken many a game open on punt returns.  Quarterback play is pretty even, although A.J. McCarron is able to get the ball downfield a little more.  Alabama certainly has the edge at running back and I look for Trent Richardson to have a big game. 

In the last meeting, he combined for 169 yards rushing and receiving and will be the key in the BCS Championship Game.  The more they get Richardson the ball, the more likely they are to break one.  Especially in a rematch of a game where no touchdowns were scored, any breakout touchdown will prove large if not devastating.  

LSU moves the ball methodically better than almost anyone in the country, but if Alabama is able to break one or two they will be hard-pressed to turn it up a notch, and settling for field goals will get demoralizing for the LSU sideline.

Nonetheless, both teams are here deservedly and will play their hearts out as they have all year, but I like the game-changing ability of Trent Richardson and the bitter taste of defeat to make the difference for the Crimson Tide.  Look for Richardson to make the difference in what starts out as a game dominated by field position play.