LSU vs. Alabama Rematch: Why Offense, Not Defense, Will Decide This Game

If you check out www.Betonline.com, the spread is already posted for informational purposes (betting is not allowed yet) for a potential Alabama vs. LSU national title game - LSU is installed as a 2-point favorite over the Tide.

This is thanks in large part, to a three point victory for LSU enjoyed at Tuscaloosa on November 5.

The fact that this line is posted demonstrates how close this unanticipated rematch is a near lock unless the human voters give Oklahoma State a major boost this weekend.

Although that game was a defensive struggle, a 9-6 mistake-fest on a Saturday night, this game figures to have more offense despite the match-up of top flight defenses.

The first factor we must consider is that this game is being played at a semi-neutral site - I say semi-neutral because it is being played at the Super Dome in New Orleans making it a near home game for LSU.

The noise level will make it hard for offenses to communicate, and it will come down to execution on offense that will decide this game for one of these two great teams.

The Super Dome also means an artificial track.  Although Bryant Denny Stadium has field turf, the turf at the Super Dome is one of the fastest tracks in the football world - just watch a New Orleans Saints game.

The faster track should allow these teams to showcase the speed and talent they have on offense.

A second factor is familiarity.

With the defensive plays and formations and tendencies on tape from the teams' last match-up, and from four more weekends of football, the offenses should have a better idea of what they can accomplish on the field in a rematch of these two teams.

Holes should be plugged and adjustments should be made allowing for more offense.

Although this still figures to be a low scoring game, don't expect a field-goal fest again.

It certainly won't be a shootout, but I expect better offensive execution if these two teams play again.

For LSU, now that Jefferson is entrenched at the starting quarterback position, he will be more comfortable than he was when these teams first met, and he shared time with Jarret Lee.

In that game, Lee threw two interceptions that short-circuited LSU drives.

Alabama also played two quarterbacks in that game, but now have settled on A.J.Mccarron.  Trent Richardson will also look to rebound from an under 100 yard rushing effort, and will benefit from the fast track of New Orleans Super Dome.

It will be the offense that makes the least mistakes, that will find itself in the lead when the clock expires.

The defenses will once again dictate the pace, but you need to score to win.  These teams will each have five weeks to prepare for just one game, and ought to be able to gameplan effectively to run better offense.