Alabama Will Roll Over LSU: Predictions On the Top 3 Games In Week 10

Alabama at LSU

After two weeks off, the Crimson Tide and Tigers clash in a pivotal SEC West elimination game in Baton Rouge. 

LSU’s defense was riding high until it was sliced apart by Cam Newton two weeks ago.  Though traditionally strong, it is now obvious that the Tiger defense is overrated. 

The other side of the ball is a complete mess.  Ranked 101^st in the FBS in total offense, the Tiger offense is embarrassing.  If they thought Auburn’s defense was tough, wait until they see the Tide’s defense.  LSU will be lucky to score 10 points.

It might be a little premature to argue that Alabama has regrouped after suffering the loss to South Carolina in early October.  Wins over Ole Miss and Tennessee are hardly worth bragging about this year. 

Expect a sluggish start since both teams are coming off the bye week. The Tiger faithful will be loud, but it won’t do much good.  The Tide’s offense will wake up and take control in the second half.  Saban puts another dagger in their heart. 

Alabama, 24-10.

TCU at Utah

Before the start of the season, expectations were high for both TCU and Utah, but few people would have guessed that both teams would be in the top five in the BCS standings heading into this game.

Besides the opening game against Oregon State, the Horned Frogs have not been tested this year.  They have the number one ranked defense in the FBS holding opponents to just nine points per game.  If that is not enough, they also have the 11^th ranked offense averaging 485 yards and 41 points per game.

Like TCU, the Utes have had little trouble so far this year. They are sixth in total defense and 21^st in total offense. They are a solid team.

Some may be critical of TCU and Utah saying that the MWC is weaker than the Big Ten or SEC, and neither team is worthy of the high ranking.  That is debatable, but TCU beat up on Oregon State and Baylor and Utah took down Pitt and Iowa State.  Both teams are efficient and well-coached, and they would compete for the title in the AQ conferences this year. 

This will be a classic battle, and the winner might just make the BCS title game.  Utah is at home which will give them a slight advantage because TCU tends to start slowly when playing on the road. 

Turnovers will determine the outcome of the game.  The Horned Frogs are better are protecting the ball, and their defense will get one late in the game to seal the victory.

TCU, 31-24. 

Arizona at Stanford

Arizona heads up to Stanford to determine who finishes second in the PAC-10 this year.  The winner stays in the race for a BCS bowl bid, too.

Andrew Luck and Stepfan Taylor lead a balanced attack for the Cardinal.  The offense is averaging 223 yards rushing and 243 yards passing making it difficult for opposing defenses to scheme properly. 

Statistically, Stanford’s defense looks strong, but USC and Oregon both moved the ball up and down on them.  They are softer than they appear, and will need to play much better to stop the Wildcats.

Arizona is balanced on both sides of the ball. They are 10^th in total defense and 19^th in total offense in the FBS. 

The good news for Wildcat fans is QB Nick Foles is expected to start after sitting out the last two games with a dislocated knee. They will need his experience and leadership on the road in hostile territory.

One issue that might cost Arizona in this game is their tendency to play down for a quarter.  They have lapses where they look terrible, and let weaker teams get ahead and/or stay in the game.  If they want to win this game, they must play well over four quarters.

There will be very little defense played in this game, but Stanford’s defense will make a big play late in the game to get the win. 

Stanford, 45-42.