LSU vs. Alabama: Crimson Tide Will Roll Past Tigers in Clash of SEC Titans

The game college football fans have had circled on their calendars for months is only seven days away. Both No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama are off in Week 9 as they prepare for the regular season's most important game. Here are three reasons the Crimson Tide will defeat the Tigers next weekend.

Trent Richardson

Richardson has been one of the nation's most dominant forces this season, gaining 962 yards and scoring 17 touchdowns in eight games. While Eddie Lacy and Jalston Fowler are solid backups, Alabama wouldn't be where it is without Richardson.

After being overshadowed by Mark Ingram last season, Richardson has not only shown he is capable of carrying the load himself, but he's also made Ingram's 2010 campaign look meager. The junior is on pace for 30 touchdowns if the Crimson Tide make the conference title game.

Richardson will need to bring his A-game against LSU's vaunted defense, however. It will be his toughest challenge to date and if he doesn't deliver, that's what he'll be remembered for. Not his great start.

Run Defense

Alabama is allowing less than 50 yards per game on the ground, which is bad news for LSU. If the Tigers are forced to become a one-dimensional passing team, their offense won't be nearly as effective as it has been in recent weeks.

The Tigers' offense has thrived because it's had a perfect balance between Jarrett Lee and the rushing attack. If Spencer Ware and Michael Ford can't find holes on early downs, Lee will have to throw more than anticipated, and that severely hurts LSU's chances.

Nick Saban

The teams are very evenly matched on the field. However, Nick Saban gives the Crimson Tide a sizable advantage over LSU coach Les Miles. Giving Saban an extra week to prepare his team for the season's marquee game is great news for Alabama diehards.

It's going to be a close game barring an incredible performance from either side, but since the two defenses are so strong, that's unlikely to happen. And given the choice between Saban and Miles in a close game, I'd take Saban every time.

Alabama prevails in a nail-biter.