LSU vs. Alabama 2011: Why Tigers Will Win in Dominating Fashion

LSU will win dominate this titanic matchup with a two touchdown victory. They will get out to an early lead, and force Alabama into mistakes as they try to catch up.

The Tigers' defense will lead them to this victory.

The key to Alabama's offense is their running game. It sets the table for everything they do. And for good reason. They have an excellent offensive line and RB Trent Richardson is an absolute beast.

This year, Richardson has rushed for 989 yards at 6.6 yards per carry.

While those numbers are impressive, they are not going to intimidate LSU.

In the opening game of the season LSU beat Oregon. In that game, they held Oregon to 95 yards at 3.4 yards per carry. This is an absolutely astonishing accomplishment.

On the season, Oregon is averaging 7.2 yards per carry.

In that game, the Tigers held LaMichael James to three yards per carry. He is averaging a whopping 8.2 yards per carry for the season.

There are vast differences between the Alabama running game and the Oregon running game. Oregon is built on speed and misdirection, while LSU is built on power.

However, the way LSU will shut them both down is the same.

They will do so with a dominant performance by the defensive line.

The Tigers D-line is deep, talented and unblockable. They are going to limit any damage that Alabama can do on the ground and force them into passing situations.

And they will control the game from there.

This will lead to turnovers and excellent field position. LSU will use that field position to stake out to an early lead.

LSU has the more balanced offensive attack, and they have shown a greater propensity to hit for the big play.

WRs Rueben Randle and Odell Beckham have the ability to go over the Alabama secondary to make plays. They will do just that, and snag a couple of early TDs after the Tigers take advantage of a shortened field.

This will force the Crimson Tide into a position they are not familiar or comfortable with, and they will not be able to regroup.

While Alabama has just as talented, if not slightly better, receivers as LSU, the Tigers have superior corners. 

LSU corner Morris Claiborne is the best cover man in the country. He is going to shut down Bama's leading receiver Marquis Maze, and if they test him enough he will come away with a pick.

And that will certainly drive the nail in Crimson Tide coffin.

Prediction: LSU 17, Alabama 6