Alabama vs. LSU: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Tide Must Make

It's halftime in New Orleans, and the Alabama Crimson Tide lead the LSU Tigers 9-0. It's a close game and a defensive struggle, but there's no doubt the Tide have the edge so far. And while there's still a lot to be decided, Nick Saban has plenty to talk about with his team over the break.

Here are five ways the Tide can pull away in the second half.

5. Don't Get Cocky on Offense

Alabama has had surprising success with big plays so far in the first half, but a couple of McCarron's longer throws have been flirting with disaster. The last thing Alabama needs is a momentum-changing turnover.

 

4. Focus on Containing the Edges

LSU hasn't had much success running the ball today, and Jordan Jefferson looks out of his element in the backfield. Where the Tigers hurt the Tide in November was on option plays to the sidelines, and Alabama's done a good job limiting that tonight. Alabama needs to stay sturdy on the perimeter and force LSU to make plays in the air or up the middle. 

 

3. Set Up 3rd-and-Short

The kicking game is going to be a problem tonight. Aside from Alabama's well-documented problems throughout the season, the mental aspect is going to be too much to handle for Bama's kickers in mid-range attempts or longer. By setting up short-yardage situations on third downs, the Tide won't be forced into bad situations on fourth downs.

 

2. Win the Battle at the Line of Scrimmage

The difference between three and four yards per carry is absolutely massive. If the Tide can get Trent Richardson a little more room to run, things will get much easier on offense. The difference between three-and-out and a sustained drive rests on the o-line's bulky shoulders.

 

1. Don't Get Flustered

LSU will have a big, momentum-shifting play in the second half. It's going to happen. And if Alabama doesn't react properly, the entire game could hinge on it. Saban needs to make sure that his players a prepared to weather the storm when the time comes.