LSU vs. Alabama Football: 4 Keys to Victory for the Crimson Tide

The so-called "Game of the Century" may still be a week away but it has already taken the college football world by storm.

LSU vs. Alabama, No. 1 vs. No. 2, prime-time television—this game has it all.

But if Crimson Tide fans want to leave Bryant-Denny Stadium happy next Saturday, their team will have to do these four things.

Win the Turnover Battle

LSU’s defense is predicated on the big play and their offense has only turned the ball over three times. Alabama can’t fall victim to this trap if they want to win the game.

The score is likely going to be extremely close so one big play could be the difference-maker. They need to make sure that play doesn’t come against them.

Force 3rd-and-Long Situations

The amount of NFL talent in Alabama’s secondary is staggering and forcing LSU into passing situations increases the chances of a punt or turnover. Rueben Randle and Odell Beckham are great players but Dre Kirkpatrick, Mark Barron and Robert Lester are better.

Putting the pressure squarely on them and LSU’s quarterbacks will need to be the way to go because the Tigers have too many fresh legs at running back to be completely stopped.

Win the Time of Possession

When teams' offenses are based on the run, they tend to have the ball more on offense and LSU and Alabama do just that. The Tigers average 33:52 minutes and the Tide average 32:43 minutes on offense per game.

Trent Richardson will be the best and most physical back LSU has played this year, so running him early and often will hopefully keep their defense out on the field for longer, thus tiring them out.

If either team can really dominate this statistic, that team will undoubtedly win this game.

Have the Crowd Be a Factor

LSU has played in some crazy environments this season but nothing will come close to topping what they’ll face in Tuscaloosa. Over 100,000 fans will be screaming their absolute loudest all game in this regular-season national championship game.

So far the Tigers have not been phased by opponents’ fans but if false starts become a problem, this game will be advantage Alabama.