Alabama vs. LSU Rematch: BCS Championship Is Dream Matchup for Football Purists

The first game between Alabama and LSU on November 5th was hyped to the point that it was labeled "The Game of the Century" before it was even played.

Most people didn't even think it was the game of the night.

Many gave that distinction to the scoring fest between Oklahoma State and Kansas State, a game that finished with the Cowboys outscoring the Wildcats, 52-45.

But that wasn't a better game than Alabama versus LSU. It just looked like it was.

Sure, LSU and Alabama struggled to move the ball and the 9-6 score just looks boring. But much like a great pitching duel in baseball, a great defensive struggle in football requires you to look a little bit closer to recognize the brilliance you are seeing.

It's in the details that you see just how high the level of play was in the first matchup, and will be again in the rematch.

Watch how quickly the holes close on the running backs, or how seemingly open field for a wide receiver after a catch is suddenly swarmed by multiple defenders.

Watch how physical the game is, to the point that the players on each side admitted just how much of a physical toll the game took on their bodies.

Watch the nation's most complete back—nobody combines the speed, agility and sheer power that Trent Richardson of Alabama does—fight, claw and battle against LSU for every yard.

Watch how Jordan Jefferson and LSU's offense tries to use the option, a play that worked in the first game, and watch how quickly the Alabama defenders get after the ball carrier.

Hold your breath when Tyrann "The Honey Badger" Mathieu receives a punt—something exciting might be on the way.

This game will start slowly—after a month off, offenses in general struggle, let alone against defenses of this stature—but as each team's game plan and adjustments start to take hold, more points should be scored this time around. These are Nick Saban and Les Miles football teams, after all.

And if LSU wins, you should savor the fact that you just watched the greatest team in college football history win a National Championship.

Yeah, I said it—the greatest team in college football history.

Consider their resume for a second—with a win they would have beaten Alabama, the second-ranked team in the nation, twice; Oregon, who was ranked third when the teams met, finished 12-2 and won the Rose Bowl; West Virginia, who finished 10-3 and won the Orange Bowl; Arkansas, who was the third-ranked team in the nation when they faced LSU, finished 11-2 and won the Cotton Bowl; Georgia, who finished 10-4 and won the SEC East; and in total, nine ranked teams on the season.

There will be many who will argue that LSU should still be the top-ranked team even if Alabama wins (unless the game is a blowout).

So savor this game for the historical relevance it brings.

I understand those who thought the first game was disappointing—watching a stalemate can be boring if you are hoping for a lot of points to be scored.

But for my tastes, I would rather watch two teams playing at the highest level fighting tooth and nail for every yard rather than watch two teams with shoddy defenses trading touchdowns.

When Alabama and LSU play on Monday night for the National Championship, look closely.

In the details, you'll see a game as competitive, physical, skilled and strategic as college football can offer.

Hit me up on the Twitter—it's the best way to spend the last year of existence.