LSU Deserves the National Championship Even If It Loses to Alabama in Rematch

With a potential rematch on the horizon between LSU and Alabama in the national title game, the Crimson Tide has a chance to avenge its November loss in Tuscaloosa.

Even if Alabama can beat the Tigers in New Orleans, is LSU still the team most deserving of that national title?

LSU beat Alabama at home in front of a sellout crowd in yet another college football “game of the century.” But if it wasn’t for Alabama’s dismal special teams plays during that game, the Crimson Tide could have put the score in double digits, avoided overtime and the loss that, at that time, knocked them out of the national title race.The body of work for LSU this season shows it's the better team.

The LSU defense was able to suffocate Alabama’s passing game, only allowing fewer than 200 passing yards, forcing a costly interception at the goal line and containing the Crimson Tide’s Heisman candidate Trent Richardson to only 89 yards on the ground and zero touchdowns.

But LSU’s strength isn’t limited to its defense. The Tigers’ offense has experience in quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who rejoined the team after a suspension earlier in the season, in addition to depth at the running back position that includes four players with five or more touchdowns each on the ground.

But Alabama has had to depend on sophomore A.J. McCarron, who doesn’t have the same big-game experience as Jefferson. McCarron was thrown into the mix after Crimson Tide veteran quarterback Greg McElroy departed for the NFL during the offseason.

LSU beat other opponents by double digits in the regular season. The Tigers overwhelmed the Oregon Ducks 40-27, WVU 47-21 and the Razorbacks 41-17, even though all three games were close during the course of the games.

Although Alabama had a good season, losing only to LSU, the Tigers overpowered the Crimson Tide on the field and capitalized on Alabama’s mistakes.

Is Alabama a championship-caliber team this season? Yes. Is it a better team than LSU?

Statistically, they’re evenly matched, but LSU has the edge on the field, and ultimately, the edge in this year’s national title race.