LSU vs. Alabama Rematch: How Would These Defenses Have Fared Against Cam Newton?

This year's college football national championship features two of the top defenses in the country.

Some may even say that they're two of the best defenses college football has ever seen. They both feature a ton of players that will play in the NFL someday.

But how would these defenses have fared against last year's Heisman trophy winner? Cam Newton was phenomenal last season and could have returned for his senior season if he didn't leave for the NFL.

If he had returned, LSU and Alabama would have played Cam Newton this season instead of a young Auburn Tigers team.

Let's break down some of the statistics and see what would have happened.

How Alabama and LSU's Defense Was Last Season

Before we get started, let's break down all of the major statistics for last year's defense on both teams.

Points Allowed

Alabama - 13.5 (Best in the SEC and third best in the country)

LSU - 18.2 (Second best in the SEC and 11th best in the country)

Rushing Yards Allowed

Alabama - 110 (Second best in the SEC and 10th best in the country)

LSU - 137 (Sixth best in the SEC and 42 in the country)

Passing Yards Allowed

LSU - 169 (Best in the SEC and 10th best in the country)

Alabama - 176 (Third best in the SEC and 13th best in the country)

Total Defense

Alabama - 286 (Best in the SEC and fifth best in the country)

LSU - 307 (Third best in the SEC and 12th best in the country)

Total Turnovers Forced

LSU - 32 (Eighth best in the country)

Alabama - 26 (Tied for 30th best in the country)

Number of Defensive Players Drafted in 2011 NFL Draft

LSU - Four

Alabama - One

How Cam Newton Fared Against Last Year's Defense

Although Alabama won against the LSU Tigers, Cam Newton had one of his worst games as a passer.

In fact, it was the only game of the season in which he failed to throw for more than 100 yards, as he only managed 86.

On the ground was a different story, as he rushed for a season-high 217.

He also scored twice with his legs.

In one of the toughest games of the season against Alabama, Newton completed 65 percent of his passes for 216 yards. He led his team back from an early deficit and also rushed for 39 yards and one touchdown.

Overall against these two defenses, Newton played well and led his team to victory in both games.

LSU did a fantastic job defending the receivers and forcing Newton to run. But they weren't able to shut down his running game. 

Alabama seemed to shut down the running game and force him to throw. But they couldn't force any mistakes when he threw the ball.

Great performances by Cam Newton in both games.

How These Defenses Rank This Season

Now that we know how Newton did against last years defenses, it's time to see how these two teams rank on the defensive side of the ball before we project how Newton would perform this season.

Points Allowed

Alabama - Eight (Best in the SEC and best in the country)

LSU - 10.5 (Second best in the SEC and second best in the country)

Rushing Yards Allowed

Alabama - 74 (Best in the SEC and best in the country)

LSU - 85 (Second best in the SEC and third best in the country)

Passing Yards Allowed

Alabama - 116 (Best in the SEC and best in the country)

LSU - 166 (Fourth best in the SEC and eighth best in the country)

Total Defense

Alabama - 191 (Best in the SEC and best in the country)

LSU - 252 (Second best in the SEC and second best in the country)

Total Turnovers Forced

LSU - 30 (Best in the SEC and tied for ninth in the country)

Alabama - 18 (Tied for ninth in the SEC and tied for 84th in the country)

How Cam Newton Would Do Against These Defenses

Looking at the numbers from last season and this season, nothing has really changed.

Both defenses have improved, but overall there are no drastic changes.

They both defend the run and the pass better than they did last year, though.

The one major change in Alabama's defense is the experience, as nearly every starter on that side of the ball is an upperclassman.

LSU is young on defense but has two shutdown corners and a fantastic defensive line that inflicts pain on the opposing quarterback.

This year's defense would probably make things a lot more difficult for Newton because they are more complete. But Newton was a great college quarterback that could kill you with his arm or legs.

That dual-threat makes things a lot more difficult for the defense and spreads the field like no other. He was extremely athletic and wouldn't be denied.

Just look at how Newton is playing against NFL defenses right now.

If it were any two defenses to try and sop Newton, it would be these two. But even against LSU or Alabama, all they could really do is try and slow him down.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]