LSU vs Alabama Predictions: Tigers Defense Will Dominate Nick Saban's Offense

In what is being billed as "The Game of the Decade," I expect LSU's terrifying defense to wreak havoc all day long.

The Tigers defense might be the best I have ever seen, and they can prove their skills tonight against the second-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.

LSU's defense has been annihilating teams this year, allowing just 11.5 points per game. The Tigers give up just 251.4 total yards per game, meaning A.J. McCarron and the Alabama offense have their work cut out for them.

McCarron will have to be very careful with the ball, as the Tigers have intercepted 11 passes this season.

Sophomore cornerback Tyrann Mathieu is an absolute beast, and his fingerprints will be all over this game. The sophomore Heisman candidate is perhaps the nation's best defensive playmaker. He has intercepted two passes and forced three fumbles so far this season.

On the other side of the field is cornerback Morris Claiborne, one of the best cover corners in the nation. He has three picks and 17 solo tackles on the season.

Since they're facing such an elite secondary, Alabama will be relying heavily on running back Trent Richardson. Richardson always carries a ton of the offensive burden, but he will have an even larger load than usual tonight.

Richardson will definitely put up some solid numbers, because he's simply just too talented not to.

However, I'm not expecting many points from the Alabama offense. LSU's defense will suffocate Nick Saban's crew tonight and ultimately pull out the victory.

Prediction: LSU 20, Alabama 16