BCS Bowl Predictions: Alabama-LSU Title Game Will Be Absolutely Epic

All I've been hearing about lately is how horrible an Alabama-LSU BCS title game would be. While I respect everyone's opinion, I think everyone is dead wrong.

The first game between the two perennial powerhouses was a defensive struggle that ended without a touchdown. For all the fans of explosive, high-flying offenses and high-scoring games, that matchup was not fulfilling.

Don't worry though, the next Alabama-LSU matchup, which will take place in the BCS Championship, will be the complete opposite of that.  

Most likely Alabama will play their last game November 26th against Auburn, whereas LSU will play their last game on December 3rd against Georgia in the SEC Championship game. That gives each team at least one month to prepare.

That said, there is no way that Nick Saban and Les Miles, two of the greatest coaching minds in the game, don't come up with some tricks offensively. 

The mad hatter will undoubtedly come up with ways to spread the Tide's defense and get his playmakers in open space, which he didn't do the first time around. Miles will incorporate Jordan Jefferson and Rueben Randle into the option/wildcat, which will test the Tide's staunch defense. However, he will not be the only coach with new plans offensively.  

Nick Saban will certainly center his offense around the dominant play of Trent Richardson, but it won't be in the normal i-formation offense. Saban will work Trent Richardson, Marquis Maze and Eddie Lacy into some sort of wildcat formation that the LSU Tigers will not be completely prepared for.

The month off between games will not only impact the respective coaches' ability to create complex game plans; it will more importantly give the players time to rest.  Going into their Week 9 matchup, both LSU and 'Bama were beaten and bruised, despite bye weeks prior to the game.

The difference between having two weeks off and having an entire month off is enormous, and that will be put on display in this rematch.

Another reason why this 'Bama-LSU rematch will be epic is because postseason rematches usually look nothing like their regular season counterparts. Take, for example, last year's SEC Championship rematch of Auburn and South Carolina. In their first meeting the game was decided on a fourth quarter comeback by Cam Newton, culminating in a 35-27 victory for Auburn. In their second meeting in the SEC Championship game, Auburn dominated, ultimately beating South Carolina 56-17.

If you need another example, look no further than the 2007 Big 12 Championship matchup between Missouri and Oklahoma. The first game was decided by 10 points, the next by 21.  

Disclaimer: I'm a Big Ten fan, so don't accuse me of being an SEC fan-boy here. The final reason why this rematch will be epic is because it involves two SEC teams. Let's be honest, the SEC is the best conference in college football.

This matchup will not only bring the two best teams in the country, it also brings the two best teams from the same conference, which brings a lot of bragging rights to the field. The winner of this BCS Championship will not only be the best team in the country, they will be the unrivaled champions in the SEC.

There is just too much on the line for this rematch to fall short of its expectations. While epic matchups can involve lots of punts, 3-and-outs and defense, this rematch will be more of an offensive explosion. I know it's hard to believe, but the BCS Championship game will look nothing like the November 5th meeting between the Tigers and the Tide.  

Mark my words, the 2012 Alabama-LSU BCS Championship game will be epic. It will be the kind of game that people talk about for years to come, for all the right reasons.  

Prediction:  Alabama 31 - LSU 27