2011 Bowl Predictions: Alabama Will Shock LSU in BCS Title Game

In what will be an epic SEC showdown between the nation's top teams, No. 2 Alabama will take down No. 1 LSU handily in the BCS National Championship Game. Fans are hopeful that this game will feature a bit more than the 15-combined points in the first meeting between the defensive powerhouses.

Yet, despite the 9-6 LSU victory earlier this season, Alabama has the clear edge in the second game between the two teams this season.

In the first matchup between the two teams, it was the Alabama Crimson Tide that outplayed the LSU Tigers. 

In a game that went down to the wire, the Crimson Tide had more first downs (17-15), more total yards of offense (295-239) and outplayed LSU in the passing game with quarterback A.J. McCarron putting together a solid performance.

The Crimson Tide also had the edge in time of possession, having the ball for just over 30 minutes in the contest.

Arguably the biggest reason the Crimson Tide dropped that game: it was a game decided by three points and featured four missed field goals. Not one, not two...four times Alabama was denied points due to poor field-goal kicking.

Alabama also features the better defense of the two teams. The No. 1-ranked defense in points allowed gives up just 8.8 points per contest, while LSU ranks at No. 2 with just over 10 points allowed.

The Crimson Tide's top-notch defense was able to hold LSU scoreless for nearly an entire three quarters of football, as their first three points came with just 1:53 left in the third quarter.The defense was able to force six punts and two interceptions in the game, playing near flawless football throughout.

Not to mention, Alabama has ended the season just as strong, if not stronger, than LSU. Since the 9-6 loss to LSU, the Crimson Tide has won each of its last three games by at least 17 points, and had wins over Mississippi State and Auburn on the road.

The biggest factor in an Alabama win will be the play of running back Trent Richardson. He currently ranks No. 6 in the nation with 1,583 rushing yards this season.

Lately he has been making a mockery of opposing defenses, running for at least 127 yards in three straight games. This includes a 175-yard, two-touchdown game against Georgia Southern and a 203-yard rushing game against Auburn.

Make no mistake about it, LSU will have their hands full with Richardson in the backfield.

With improved kicking, a powerful running game and the edge defensively, expect the Crimson Tide to come out on top when it's all said and done.