LSU vs. Alabama: Why Crimson Tide Holds an Edge over Tigers Against the Spread

Judgement Day in college football has finally arrived.

We've been talking about Nov. 5 for quite some time now because there is nothing quite like an SEC showdown.

Add in the fact that LSU and Alabama are the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the land, respectively, and we have the makings of what will likely sew up one spot in the BCS National Championship game.

Assuming the winner remains unbeaten—they both play in the SEC West—they will be a sure-fire pick representative in the title game. But were not there yet, because we still have this de facto national title to play.

Alabama gives up the least amount of points in the nation. LSU is No. 3 in that department.

The Crimson Tide is 11th in the nation in points for. LSU is 12th in that category.

Alabama has knocked off three ranked opponents so far this year. LSU has defeated five.

These two teams are simply the best the nation has to offer in college football.

The line is currently set at Alabama -4.5. The trend sheet happens to favor the Tide rather heavily and playing in Tuscaloosa is a distinct advantage in this game. The last time the two met in Bryant-Denny Stadium the Tide won 24-9 over a 9th ranked LSU squad by nine points. The Tide not only won the game and the SEC, but they won the National Championship that year.

But, LSU has proven more than capable of handling hostile territory this year. They beat the Oregon Ducks to open the season in Arlington, Texas. They then traveled to Starkville and Morgantown and took care of then ranked Bulldogs and Big East-leading Mountaineers.

All in all, whether at home or on the road, the Tigers remain unfazed.

But, with two teams so evenly matched—neither turn over the ball and each kicker has missed one extra point and two field goals—and powerful in much of the same way, there has to be something that tilts the game.

In this respect it will be Nick Saban vs. Les Miles.

Saban took over Alabama in 2007 and went 7-6. Since that season, he's lost only five games total. Miles, who took over for Saban in 2005, has lost only 17 games through six and a half seasons.

These two coaches are 2-2 against one another since Saban's return to the SEC, and have each beaten one another en route to a National Championship season.

But, when all is said and done, it is Saban's experience and ability to adjust that gives his team the edge.

Don't be surprised if it is LSU with an early lead. And, don't be surprised when Saban puts the hammer down and turns things around.