BCS National Championship Game: Alabama Crimson Tide Favored in Las Vegas

The No. 1 LSU Tigers (13-0) and No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1) will meet in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Monday night in New Orleans.

Las Vegas oddsmakers opened up the Tigers as one-point neutral-site favorites, but the current betting odds currently favor the Crimson Tide by two points inside most sports books in town.

It's a line move that may surprise many, especially with LSU capturing a 9-6 overtime win over Alabama as 5.5-point road underdogs on Nov. 5.

Let's take a closer look at this year's biggest game from a betting perspective.

Alabama's Success Against AP Top 25 Opponents

The Alabama Crimson Tide have registered an impressive 17-6 record against AP Top 25 teams over the past four years, with one of those losses coming against the LSU Tigers.

The program is 12-9 against the spread (ATS) versus winning teams over the past two-plus seasons.

LSU Tigers Are 4-0 in BCS Bowls Under Les Miles

The sports media, including myself, often get blinded by the accomplishments of Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban.

LSU front man Les Miles deserves some attention as well, posting a perfect 4-0 straight-up and ATS record in BCS bowl games.

He's also the only head coach in the program's history to record five wins over Monday's opponent.

Aretha Franklin anyone?

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Alabama's Senior Class

Alabama's senior class will walk into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome with a 47-6 record, which is the most wins in school history in that particular category.

Some of those members participated in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game, so the moment will not overwhelm this team.

Turnovers

The LSU Tigers entered the bowl season as the No. 1 team in the nation in turnover margin, forcing 30 turnovers and giving the ball over just eight times.

Protecting the football is at a premium during the bowl season, which gives the Tigers a definite advantage inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

LSU took advantage of those opportunities, turning 21 of those 30 mistakes into points.

Alabama caused 12 less turnovers during the season.

Alabama Crimson Tide Defense

The Alabama Crimson Tide defense gets plenty of media attention due to their astonishing numbers, leading all of college football in allowing just 191.3 yards per game.

LSU's unit may possess more play-making ability, but Alabama punishes its opponent. 

The Tigers gained just 239 total yards in the first meeting in Tuscaloosa. 

LSU Has Scored Points in BCS Bowl Games

Las Vegas oddsmakers opened up the total for this rematch at 39, which has been bet up to its current placement of 40.

Casual bettors are going to jump on the opportunity of playing this game 'under' the total, as two of the top defenses dominated the previous meeting.

It's important to note that the Tigers' 9-6 victory over the Crimson Tide was played after both teams enjoyed a bye, which isn't the case here.

Special teams and tackling often suffer under such conditions.

LSU has scored 147 combined points in its four BCS games, putting points on the scoreboard in 15 of 16 quarters.

I'm almost certain that Monday's contest will have more points than the Nov. 5 meeting.

Nick Saban's Revenge Factor

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban was unable to gain revenge in the November meeting, but now he's playing for all the marbles.

The former LSU Tigers front man is a dominating 15-3 straight-up and 14-4 ATS when trying to gain revenge against a conference opponent.

Watch out.

Les Miles Excels When Given Time to Prepare

LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles has tallied an impressive 18-3 record when given more than a week to prepare for a game.

He's won five of six bowl games during his time in Baton Rouge, posting a 5-1 straight-up and ATS record, outscoring those opponents by 21 points a contest.

Prediction

I truly believe that both defenses will suffer from the long layoff between games, causing this game to climb over the posted total of 40.

Both defenses are capable of scoring on any play, while the Alabama Crimson Tide missed four field goals in the first meeting.

LSU Tigers quarterback Jordan Jefferson will also be more comfortable on a fast track, while also knowing he's the man ahead of Jarrett Lee for this contest.

Pick: Over 40