LSU vs Alabama: 7 Bets to Make for Saturday's Huge Contest

With all due respect to the National Championship, this is the best game that will happen this year.

LSU Tigers. Alabama Crimson Tide. Les Miles. Nick Saban.

It's No. 1 vs No. 2, but it's also intra-conference rivals that have completely dominated all competition this year. There's no controversy that these are two best teams in the country, and no one is complaining about this one like they will be for January's title game.

This game has been getting hyped for a long time, and you will likely want to take part in the action in any way possible. 

You shouldn't just be betting on the game. You should bet props and everything you possibly can.

You know, in a responsible way of course.

Here's a look at seven side bets you would be smart to make. 

Will Either Team Score 3 Unanswered Times in the Game?

This is going to be a close matchup. Neither of these defenses are going to allow the opposition to score three straight times.

Heck, there might not even be more than three or four total scores on each side, let alone them being in a row.

Alabama and LSU are just too even for this to happen.

What's more, the odds for "no" (2.55) are favorable.

Bet: No

A.J McCarron's Completions: Over/Under 17

On the season, McCarron has completed a total 134 passes in eight games. That's 16.75 per game. OK, so I get the over/under of 17.

Still, though, this isn't Kent State he's going up against. It's LSU. The Tigers have actually given up just over 17 completions per game to opposing quarterbacks, but that's partly because teams have been playing from behind.

I expect Alabama to feed Trent Richardson a ton in this game. They won't wind to rely on McCarron as much against talented corners Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne. 

McCarron won't get to his or LSU's defensive averages. 

Bet: Under

First Score of the Game

Most people—and I tend to agree—think this game will be a defensive battle. When you have quite possibly the two best defenses in the country, that's not a far-fetched statement. 

The first score of the game is really anyone's guess, but when "field goal/safety" (2.55) is getting such better odds than "touchdown" (1.45), you take it. 

First of all, I'm assuming there won't be a long touchdown. So, a score will have to come from a long drive and short, methodical plays.

As soon as a team puts together a good drive, do you not expect the talented defense to bear down and hold them to a field goal? 

Bet: Field Goal/Safety

Will Tyrann Mathieu Force a Fumble?

Tyrann Mathieu is an absolute ball-hawk, whether it be through the air or through forcing fumbles. 

He's unofficially forced three fumbles on the season, but he's the type of player who has the ability to force one on any given play. 

Alabama hardly ever turns the ball over, but they have shown the ability to let go of the ball. They have fumbled it eight times this season, or once per game. 

And a bunch of those have come in the secondary. Marquis Maze has fumbled it twice, and so has DeAndrew White. That leaves a big opportunity for Mathieu to make a play.

The Tigers also like to send him on blitzes, so don't forget about that. 

At 3/1, this a fun bet worth taking.

Bet: Yes

Will There Be a Score in the First 7 Minutes and 30 Seconds?

For the most part, these defenses are better than the opposing offenses. There's no real question about that. 

Besides Trent Richardson or maybe Rueben Randle, no one is going to be breaking off huge plays in this game.

If the scoring ever does come, it will likely come later in the game as defenses begin to tire and offensives can take advantage. That's usually the case in most games. 

With all the hype this game is getting, there's no way these defenses don't come out extremely fired up and absolutely dominate the first few possessions. 

Bet: No

Who Will Record More Passing and Rushing Yards? LSU QBs or A.J McCarron?

I love this one.

First of all, I think LSU will turn to the air more in this one than Alabama. Their running backs aren't nearly as good, and teams end up throwing a lot more against the Crimson Tide. 

While it likely won't be all that pretty, Jarrett Lee should end up somewhere close to A.J McCarron, if not with more passing yards.

On top of that, you're adding Jordan Jefferson and rushing yards into the mix? Jefferson will likely take some deep shots and have some designed runs. He'll add on plenty more to the total.

And even more, the LSU QBs are +20.5. Yes please.

Bet: LSU QBs

Player to Score the First TD in the Game

This is yet another fun one to bet on. 

There's a whole slew of players to choose from, but this bet makes watching the game very similar to watching guys from your fantasy football team. 

Imagine Alabama getting down close to the goal line. 

"C'mon, give it to Trent Richardson. Please. Please. Please. What? Brandon Gibson?! Why is he even in the game?"

With that being said, the bet here is "no touchdown." I can seriously see this game ending at 9-6 or something like that. It's not the most likely thing, but 26/1 odds can make you very rich if you take the gamble.

These defenses have the talent to make it happen.

Bet: No TD Scored in the Game