LSU vs. Alabama 2011: Bold Predictions for SEC Showdown

No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama battle on Saturday night with SEC and BCS title implications, and it has the chance to be the best college football game of the entire season.

Both teams have amazing defenses, and the Crimson Tide and Tigers are ranked first and second in points allowed per game, respectively.

The winner controls its destiny to the BCS championship game in January, and while the loser still has a chance to get there, the road taken will be much tougher.

Let's look at three BOLD predictions for this epic SEC showdown.

1. Alabama running back Trent Richardson rushes for 150 yards

Trent Richardson might be the leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy, having rushed for 989 yards with 17 touchdowns thus far this season.

The Alabama running back has a unique combination of speed, quickness, and power.

With the strong Crimson Tide offensive line leading the way, Richardson will find the running gaps and explode through them with speed and get into the second level of the Tigers defense.

2. LSU will score 28-plus points

LSU has scored an average of 39.3 points per game this season and have done so against some very good opponents.

They have scored 35 or more points in seven of their eight games, including quality wins over Oregon, West Virginia, Florida and Auburn.

Alabama's defense only allows 6.9 points per game, but the Tigers offense will be the best the Crimson Tide face all season.

3. Alabama will win by 14 points

Alabama has been a machine this season. Their defense seems so fast that it almost looks like they have 12 players on the field.

The Crimson Tide are very strong on both the offensive and defensive lines, and winning the battle at the line of scrimmage will greatly help them win the game.

Alabama's offense, led by the running of Trent Richardson will power the Crimson Tide to a massive home victory over top-ranked LSU.