LSU vs. Alabama: Predicting 3 of Each Team's Biggest Changes Since Game One

The "Game of the Century" was on November 5th earlier this month, holding the entire nation's channels stagnant as we all watched one of the best defensive battles in recent history. 

The Tigers emerged victorious in overtime, defeating the Tide in what is now being called the Saban Bowl, 9-6. Les Miles and company have been diligent since then, owning non-conference foe Western Kentucky and then wrecking conference opponents Ole Miss and Arkansas. 

Saban and his Crimson Tide also remained powerful, taking down a weak non-conference opponent in Georgia Southern while also beating division foes Mississippi State and Auburn. The two squads now once again sit at the No. 1 and 2 spots in the BCS, prepared to rematch in one of the most highly anticipated sports events of the year.

Although each squad has only had three games since the big matchup, each has made adjustments to their game. We take a look at what three big changes each team has made to make sure their second matchup with each other goes as they plan. 

Alabama Offense

The Crimson Tide's offense was rolling until it met LSU, only scoring six points against Les Miles' strong arm defense. With just around 460 total yards per game before LSU, Alabama has only hurt itself by dropping that number down to 430 yards per game. 

The rushing and the passing game have both taken hits, falling over 10 yards per game each. Richardson has been able to keep the rushing totals slightly high, but McCarron has allowed the passing numbers to fall dramatically.

The Tide's inability to score was especially apparent against Mississippi State early on, as  McCarron and company almost went three whole quarters before they got rolling. A less potent offense against a dangerous foe like the LSU defense will kill the Tide's title dreams before they even begin.  

LSU Offense

The LSU offense has dramatically improved since taking on the Tide earlier this month. Jumping up to over 15 more yards per game against solid defenses like Arkansas proves that Jefferson and Lee are both running a well oiled machine. 

The offensive attack, however, is much less balanced. Passing has decreased around 12 yards per game down to 171 yards a game. On the other hand, RB Ware and the offensive line have exploded for 25 more yards per game, increasing from 190 yards a game to 215 yards a game. 

As long as LSU remains diligent offensively against Georgia, they will come into the BCS title game ready to go on this side of the ball. 

Alabama Defense

This Crimson Tide defense is heavily considered to be one of the best Alabama has ever had. They've held teams this season to just nine points a game and only 191 yards total offense per game.

However, compared to before their battle with LSU, they're a little bit worse. They used to only give up seven points and 180 yards total offense per game, but have let those numbers slide since losing at home to the Tigers.

Considering how close the numbers truly are, there isn't much disparity, but Alabama still needs to be wary of falling apart in the bowl game, especially against an explosive offense like LSU's. 

LSU Defense

The Tigers, on the other hand, are allowing one less point per game and less total offensive yards per game than before their game with the Tide. Their inspiring defense has continued to improve as the season has worn on. 

For a team that is based almost solely around such a strong defense, maintaining and improving these numbers against Georgia will be important. The Tigers can't allow Alabama to see any weakness in the SEC Championship, especially considering how dangerous McCarron and Richardson can be without advantages. 

Alabama Intangibles

Trent Richardson is still very much in the running for the Heisman trophy. He is more than an impact player, he is a figurehead for one of the oldest and most storied programs in the country. 

Any one man who can make all of Bryant-Denny forget about a running back like Mark Ingram deserves recognition like he has. Richardson is quicker, more agile, and just as dangerous as the former Alabama superstar, and look out for him to play a major role in the BCS Bowl game the Tide will be playing in.

From the coaching aspect, as long as Saban doesn't have any more nights like the one he had in Tuscaloosa against LSU, he will be fine. The Saban Bowl rematch will be his opportunity to reclaim a game that should have been his the first time around.

LSU Intangibles

After Tyrann Matheiu and a few other select players tested positive for illegal drugs earlier this season, things were looking down for the Tigers. However, Mathieu and his pothead partners have come surging back in a strong way since the incident.

Mathieu is the leader not only for the defense, but for the entire team. He needs to stay clean and healthy through the bowl season if the Tigers want to have any chance of defeating their opponent in the national title game. 

Les Miles has come a long way since his infamous time management issues and grass eating hippie days, but his ability to stay focused is the key to his team emerging victorious with the Crystal Ball this January.

As for penalties, the Tigers are still committing a lot of them. They are one of the dirtiest squads in college football and will continue to play as such as long as they can get away with it with only a yellow flag. LSU needs to shut down their foolish personal fouls if they want to succeed in the SEC Championship and into the bowl season.