LSU Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Complete Game Preview
LSU head coach Les Miles' early November fixture against Alabama's Nick Saban has become a national treasure. Saturday's matchup should continue what has become the golden standard of physical, ground-and-pound football.
The Tigers and the Crimson Tide will both enter Saturday's clash in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with three-game winning streaks. They will also both be coming off bye weeks, which they have done before playing each other every season since 2010.
Alabama only has one loss and is right in the thick of the College Football Playoff. LSU's two losses have them needing help, but The Daily Reveille has mapped out a scenario of how the Tigers can win the SEC West:
"Here's how #LSU football can still win the #SEC West pic.twitter.com/sXoyevdDTk
— The Daily Reveille (@lsureveille) November 3, 2014"
Saban has gotten the better of Miles in recent years with his Crimson Tide winning the past three matchups. Alabama cruised to a victory in last year's game in Tuscaloosa, 38-17. But the last time the two met in Tiger Stadium back in 2012, it took a magical Crimson Tide comeback to win it late in the fourth quarter.
Here is a preview of this week's matchup.
What You Need to Know
Time: 7 p.m. CT
Place: Tiger Stadium; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
TV: CBS
Spread: Alabama by 6; via OddsShark.com
Video Preview
1 of 7Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee and Michael Felder give their predictions for Saturday's affair between LSU and Alabama.
LSU Keys to Victory
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Limit Turnovers
LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings threw two interceptions against Ole Miss. Jennings had thrown none in his four SEC games prior, though he was not the only Tiger careless with the football.
Running backs Leonard Fournette and Terrence Magee had one fumble each against the Rebels. Fournette's came at the Rebels' 1-yard line early in the game.
The Tigers' four turnovers almost cost them the game against the Rebels. They must be more efficient against the Crimson Tide.
Win Battle at Line of Scrimmage
LSU's offensive line has been incredible in its past three games. The Tigers have rushed for an average of 254 yards in those games.
Alabama's SEC-best rush defense has held conference opponents to less than 100 yards per game. Defensive linemen Xzavier Dickson and A'Shawn Robinson are future NFL draft picks the Tigers must hold in check.
Miles and offensive line coach Jeff Grimes have done a masterful job getting the best out of their big uglies. Left tackle La'el Collins, left guard Vadal Alexander, center Elliott Porter, right guard Ethan Pocic and right tackle Jerald Hawkins will need to continue their mauling spree against Alabama.
Alabama Keys to Victory
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Run the Football
Alabama's 1-2 punch at running back with T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry is potent and powerful. They are two big reasons why the Crimson Tide have rushed for at least 160 yards in seven of eight games this season.
LSU's rush defense was once a laughing stock. In the Tigers' first two conference games, they allowed Mississippi State and Auburn to rush for a combined 600 yards. In their three conference games since then, opponents have only combined for 331 yards on the ground.
Left tackle Cam Robinson will likely miss Saturday's game due to a high-ankle sprain, but Saban has yet to rule him out, per Charlie Potter of BamaOnline.com. Pass protection might be an issue for whoever steps in during Robinson's absence. Establishing a running game will be critical for the Alabama line.
Force Jennings to Make Plays
Saban's game plan will be simple. He will stack the box against the run and make Jennings defeat his Crimson Tide through the air. But executing that plan will be easier said than done.
LSU's offensive line has mauled the opposition no matter how many have been in the box. Saban will trust his defensive front players to give it their best shot at holding their ground. If the Crimson Tide stop the Tigers running game, it could be big trouble for Miles.
Jennings struggled mightily against Ole Miss. It could be worse for him against Alabama. Deciphering what the Crimson Tide do defensively on passing downs can be Egyptian hieroglyphics for quarterbacks.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
LSU Players to Watch
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Jermauria Rasco and Danielle Hunter
LSU defensive ends Jermauria Rasco and Danielle Hunter are relentless. The duo showed off its hustle against Ole Miss, combining for 18 tackles and one sack.
Rasco and Hunter played their best when Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil left the game. With Robinson likely out, this opens up another opportunity for them to feast on backups.
Crowd noise affects offensive tackles as much as any position. With a raucous Tiger Stadium as its main weapon, there should be no reason the LSU pass rush should fail to create pressure.
Trey Quinn
True freshman Trey Quinn's 42 receiving yards against Ole Miss led all wide receivers. Both of Quinn's two receptions came on first down and were over 20 yards.
Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron knows he will have throw on first down some against the Crimson Tide to keep them guessing. Alabama will likely shade coverages to big-play threats Travin Dural and Malachi Dupre, so expect Jennings look for Quinn over the middle.
If LSU wins, also look for Quinn to go crowd surfing again.
"One of the pics of the year so far. 2014 #ArmyBowl WR Trey Quinn goes crowd-surfing after #LSU's win over Ole Miss. pic.twitter.com/DYRxSVl6hG
— #ArmyBowl (@ArmyAllAmerican) October 26, 2014"
Alabama Players to Watch
5 of 7Landon Collins
There will always be vitriol between LSU fans and Alabama safety Landon Collins. Collins, a Louisiana native who played his high school ball at the same school that produced LSU headhunter Eric Reid, spurned the Tigers for the Crimson Tide on national television in 2012 much to the chagrin of his mother.
Collins now is the director of traffic in the Alabama secondary. He leads the Crimson Tide in interceptions and is second on the team in tackles.
Collins understands the magnitude of returning to Louisiana, per Alex Scarborough of ESPN.com:
"What does going to LSU mean to Landon Collins? He says it's an opportunity "to show I picked the better team."
— Alex Scarborough (@AlexS_ESPN) November 3, 2014"
Collins does not have the smoothest skills in pass coverage but is phenomenal on attacking the line of scrimmage to defend the run. Cameron must keep the Tide guessing by mixing up the play calls to prevent him from stifling LSU's rushing attack.
Amari Cooper
Alabama quarterback Blake Sims has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal in offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin's scheme. The crown jewel of the group is Heisman Trophy hopeful Amari Cooper.
No receiver in the SEC possesses the big-play ability of Cooper, who leads the conference in receptions, yards and touchdowns. He has eclipsed 90 yards in every game he has played except against Arkansas.
Cooper only caught three passes for 46 yards last season against the Tigers, but he opened up opportunities for other Crimson Tide receivers to make plays. He was shut out against LSU in 2012, but former quarterback AJ McCarron overthrew him on a deep post that would have resulted in a touchdown early in the game.
Alabama cornerbacks Jalen Collins, Rashard Robinson and Tre'Davious White will certainly have their hands full against Cooper.
What They Are Saying
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At Miles' weekly press luncheon on Monday, he shared his respect for what Saban has done at Alabama, per Tiger Rag's Robert Stewart:
"Les on facing Nick Saban: "I think there's a mutual respect, certainly from me to him." Done a great job at Bama.
— Robert Stewart (@TigerRagRobert) November 3, 2014 "
Miles acknowledged the challenge in facing Cooper and Sims, per The Advocate's Ross Dellenger and Lawrence Barreca:
"Miles on #Bama WR Amari Cooper: "He's got speed and size and ball skills and runs routes extremely well." #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@DellengerAdv) November 3, 2014"
"Miles: "I would see (Blake Sims) as a very dangerous, very special dual-threat QB."
— Lawrence Barreca (@BarrecaAdvocate) November 3, 2014"
Miles said winning big games does have major ramifications in recruiting, per Geaux247.com's Shea Dixon:
"Les said recruiting prospects is simply better when you win.. "It's a lot more fun to call after you've won." #LSU
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) November 3, 2014"
Saban shared the dangers of facing LSU running back Leonard Fournette, per Marquavius Burnett of The Anniston Star:
"Saban: Leonard Fournette has great size & is an instinctive runner. Said he's a physical player & is difficult to tackle.
— Marquavius Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) November 3, 2014"
Saban also shared what LSU does schematically on defense, per Burnett:
"Saban said LSU's secondary likes to play a lot of man-to-man. That coupled w/ the pressure the put on QBs makes it tough for opponents.
— Marquavius Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) November 3, 2014 "
Prediction
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Alabama is a six-point favorite over LSU and still one of the favorites in Vegas to win it all, per Odds Shark. But there are some who are questioning the Crimson Tide's resume up to this point.
Alabama's most impressive win in 2014 was against West Virginia in the season opener. Saban watched his team crumble in Oxford and only edge out Arkansas by one in Fayetteville. Baton Rouge on Saturday night is more hostile than both those venues.
LSU hung with Alabama last season, but the Crimson Tide eventually pulled away comfortably in the second half. This game though will be different. Expect a one-possession game that could go either way.
Special teams are always a major factor in close games. Alabama kicker Adam Griffith was 1-of-3 against Ole Miss. Holding on to returns was a major issue for the Crimson Tide against Arkansas. To be fair though, LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye hooked a field goal against the Rebels and missed an extra point versus Florida.
Alabama's front will be LSU's toughest test yet. Cameron will need Jennings to make some plays through the air. He has the weapons needed to do damage to against the Crimson Tide secondary.
Ultimately though, Alabama is the more complete team. It has an edge at quarterback with Sims. He should have enough help from Cooper and Yeldon to lead his team to victory.
Alabama wins a close one to keep its playoff hopes alive.
Score: Alabama 21, LSU 17
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