LSU vs. Alabama: How the Tigers Would Fare Against the Rest of the Top 25

A lot of people have a problem with the rematch between LSU and Alabama for the national championship.  Some because they don't like defensive matchups that end up 9-6, some because they think Bama already had their chance and some because they think their team deserves to be there more.

The following is a what-if scenario if each team in the BCS Top 25 had their shot at the Tigers in the title game.

#25 – Auburn Tigers

This is an easy one because it actually happened.

45-10 and LSU called off the dogs early. 

#24 – Texas Longhorns

The Longhorns are developing young players and should be back in the mix in the Big 12 again next year, but LSU’s defense would make a mockery of the young Longhorn offense. 

LSU would pull back in the third quarter, 49-10.

#23 – West Virginia Mountaineers

The Mountaineers may have scored 70 points against Clemson, but the real Tigers wouldn’t be so friendly. 

47-21 was the score in September so I’ll stick with that, even though I don’t think the LSU defense would give up that many points if they met again.

#22 – Penn State Nittany Lions

Again, the LSU defense would be way too much for Penn State, even on their best days. 

With the scandal looming and distractions everywhere, the Tigers roll 35-3.

#21 – Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles

A team on the rise, the Golden Eagles will be a dominant force in Conference USA for years to come.  However, LSU is no C-USA opponent and the size and speed would be too much. 

33-6.

#20 – Nebraska Cornhuskers

Taylor Martinez may be able to run away from Big Ten linebackers and defensive backs, but the Tigers would have other plans for him. 

Bo Pelini would have his defense ready to play and would play tough against the Tigers offense for about two and half quarters, but the steady pounding of the LSU running game would wear them out.

By the middle of the third quarter and the Tigers would break away.

24-7.

#19 – Houston Cougars

Like Southern Miss, the Cougars are a talented team in Conference USA.  They have speed at the skill positions that can match up with almost anyone in the country. 

Almost anyone in the country. 

LSU has too much size and speed on defense and would shut the Cougars down. 

Houston would not be able to stop the Tiger running game and LSU would take full advantage of that.

42-6.

#18 – TCU Horned Frogs

I’m a big fan of TCU and head coach Gary Patterson.  I think they are very much on their way to becoming an every-year contender in the BCS picture. 

However, they are not at the elite level yet and would not be able to hang with LSU for four quarters. 

Closer than expected first half, but the Tigers roll in the second half. 

35-14.

#17 – Michigan State Spartans

This would be a matchup that would concern me.  The Spartans are building a program quietly and I believe could match up with almost anyone in the country on any given day.  

LSU gets caught off-guard a bit and falls to a halftime deficit, but claws their way back into it and wins late. 

28-24.

#16 – Georgia Bulldogs

Just happened, 42-10.

#15 – Clemson Tigers

Not even close. 

Sammy Watkins makes one spectacular play as an LSU DB falls or misses a tackle, but that’s it. 

The real Tigers win this one easy. 

49-7.

#14 – Oklahoma Sooners

With Ryan Broyles healthy, I think this is a decent game.  Without him however, the Tigers are too much for the Sooners. 

Oklahoma is one of the few teams nationally that could matchup LSU’s size on the lines, but the speed of the Tigers on the defensive line would be the difference maker. 

Landry Jones has a long day. 

24-10.

#13 – Michigan Wolverines

Like Taylor Martinez, Denard Robinson would learn quickly how good he has it in the Big Ten.  The Tigers' team speed would limit Robinson like they did against speedy Oregon and West Virginia. 

Michigan would however score a few points. 

36-17.

#12 – Baylor Bears

I have all the respect in the world for Robert Griffin III, but he’s never seen a defensive line like LSU would bring to him. 

Like Denard Robinson, he’s athletic enough to scramble and put up some yardage, but he would be limited to rushing. 

Baylor’s offensive line would not be able to give him the time he needs to do his magic.  The Bears also could not stop LSU’s offense. 

The Tigers could probably get through this game throwing the ball less than 10 times. 

38-13.

#11 – Virginia Tech Hokies

Junior running back David Wilson is a stud rushing for nearly six yards per carry and over 1700 yards for the season.  But once again, he’s never seen a front seven like LSU.  His numbers are great, but they’re against ACC defenses. 

LSU limits the Hokie rushing attack and runs the ball effectively against them. 

33-10.

#10 – Wisconsin Badgers

Russell Wilson and Monte Ball make this a better game than most would expect. 

The Tiger defense would step up to the challenge but it would be a battle. 

LSU pulls out a close one. 

21-17.

#9 – South Carolina Gamecocks

Steve Spurrier was always a thorn in LSU’s side when he was at Florida, but he just hasn’t put the same kind of talent together at South Carolina. 

Marcus Lattimore is a beast and would be a huge challenge for the Tigers, but the inconsistency at quarterback would be the Gamecocks' demise. 

LSU rolls with two non-offensive touchdowns. 

35-7.

#8 – Kansas State Wildcats

This is another game that would have me on edge. 

The Wildcats have the ability to beat anyone on any given day, but unfortunately that includes themselves.

In the end, the Tigers would win this game easily because they have the speed and talent to contain Collin Klein. 

38-17.

#7 – Boise State Broncos

Bronco fans, here I am again. 

I know I’m going to hear it from you because you’re one of the most optimistic and passionate fan bases out there.  

Boise State does not have the size or speed to compete with LSU. 

Kellen Moore would have the worst day of his life in this matchup.  He is a great passer (one of the best) when he is not pressured, but the LSU defensive line would eat him up. 

I know you guys like to think that you can play with anyone because you beat Oklahoma one time, but this would be out of your league. 

Gadget plays may get you on the board, but LSU wins easily. 

33-10.

#6 – Arkansas Razorbacks

Just happened, 41-17.

#5 – Oregon Ducks

Quack attack has improved tremendously through this season but so have the Tigers. 

Similar results as opening day. 

40-20.

#4 – Stanford Cardinal

Stanford is probably the most overrated team in the Top 10. 

They were ranked high early because of Andrew Luck’s reputation from last season, but he has failed to produce at his normal level when he is faced with tougher competition. 

LSU dominated Oregon and the Ducks dominated Stanford. 

I don’t think this one is even close. 

37-13.

#3 – Oklahoma State Cowboys

A great team, but not great enough to compete with LSU. 

As a Tiger fan I wanted to see this matchup, but as a football fan I want to see the best game possible, and LSU versus OSU would not be that. 

The Cowboys would compete, no doubt.  However, the Tigers would wear them down by the end of the third quarter and roll from there. 

Cowboys keep it respectable in the first half but burn out in the end. 

40-23.

#2 – Alabama Crimson Tide

Watch out!  This is going to be a battle. 

People are talking about having a month to prepare but that really doesn’t matter.  These teams know each other.  The month was just to rest. 

These teams will come out ready to fight and it will go down to the wire like it always does when these two meet. 

In the end I give the Tigers the edge because of the home-field advantage of the Superdome. 

17-13.

Geaux Tigers!