When Alabama Beats LSU, The Baton Will Not Be Passed But Taken

I was listening to a radio broadcaster today saying that, "The baton was going to be passed this weekend from LSU to Alabama".  He  was talking about the SEC power structure.  Hmmm, passed?  I don't think so.

Even if the Tide blows out LSU you can bet it won't be passed.  The Crimson Tide will have to rip it from their bloodied fingers.  Nothing is given to you in the SEC. 

I expect a fight.  For Alabama players, they want to start a new stretch of wins against this bunch and re-claim Tiger Stadium as their "Western Home Stadium".  For years the Tide owned the Tigers in their own house.

LSU would like nothing better than to spoil the Tide's perfect season and to possibly give themselves another outside shot at playing in a meaningful bowl game. 

Don't think because LSU was stomped on by a team that Alabama beat surprisingly easy that they are shying away from this contest.  The Tigers believe with a couple of less interceptions here and there and another break here or there that they could have beaten Georgia whether the rest of the sporting world believes it or not.

Then you have the story no team is talking about.  How will Saban feel coming back to Tiger Stadium?  How will the fans react to him?  Saban is playing for a national championship.  Miles is playing for pride and to prove he's more than a jilted lover's second choice.

Some say the best thing that happened to this year's Alabama team was last year's disappointing last minute losses and the losses that were so unexpected.  It has kept this team focused on each team and overlooking nothing.  They'd be wise not to overlook this wounded Tiger.

LSU will play like a team with nothing to lose.  Les Miles has shown he's apt to do anything from the out of the ordinary to the ridiculous.   Alabama on the other hand has too much to lose to play anything but their best and perhaps a little conservative.

Wherever that "baton" ends up after the game, you can bet it won't be "passed".  It may be grapped and fought over, but never relinquished without a fight.