LSU vs Alabama: Will This Really Be a Defensive Battle?

As far as defenses go, you’re not going to find two better defensive units in college football than Alabama’s and LSU’s.

That’s why most of the talk leading up to tonight’s ultimate showdown has been about the defensive stars, instead of big-time offensive players like Heisman candidate RB Trent Richardson.

Alabama will go into this game with the No. 1 total defense and the No. 1 scoring defense in the country, a unit which is only giving up an average of seven points and 180 yards per game, while LSU will go into the game with the No. 2 scoring defense and the No. 3 total defense, which is giving up an average of just 11 points and 251 yards per game.

Alabama’s defense might be the most talented overall defense in college football history, and remarkably, there’s a chance that all 11 starters could be future NFL draft picks.

Nose Tackle Josh Chapman, linebackers Courtney Upshaw, Dont’a Hightower and Nico Johnson, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and safeties Mark Barron and Robert Lester are considered some of the best pro prospects in the country at their respective positions.

The defense that Nick Saban has built at Alabama is quite remarkable, but LSU’s brick wall is every bit as strong.

While cornerback Morris Claiborne is the only truly elite eligible pro prospect for this year’s draft, there are still a ton of young playmakers on this LSU defense who will gain plenty of recognition in the years to come.

Some, like cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, have already become stars, while others like defensive ends Barkevious Mingo and Sam Montgomery, defensive tackle Michael Brockers and safety Eric Reid are on the cusp of breaking through and becoming nationally known names.

Alabama’s defense may be a little older, a little more experienced and a little more established, but LSU’s defense is every bit as athletic and talented.

With two defenses that are so dominant, many are expecting this to be a low-scoring defensive battle.

I personally think that there will be a fair amount of points scored in this game, though.

While I don’t expect a 49-45 shootout, I also don’t expect a 9-6 slugfest.

These are two efficient offenses, led by two solid quarterbacks, that know how to move the ball and score points.

Remember, LSU and Alabama both average 39 points per game, and they both have some dangerous offensive weapons

Alabama has explosive playmakers like RB Trent Richardson and WR Marquis Maze, while LSU has emerging star receivers Rueben Randle and Odell Beckham Jr. who can both stretch the field.

The defenses have dominated the conversation for the past two weeks, but when the ball is kicked off tonight, expect the offenses to step up and have their say in the outcome.

Prediction: LSU 29, Alabama 24