The 4-6 Crimson Tide is a capable team, but is nowehere near as talented as those Gators, which upset LSU 19-7.
Look for the Tigers to control this game from the onset setting the stage for next week's showdown in Oxford.
LSU rushing offense vs. Alabama rushing
defense
Over the last three weeks, LSU¹s rushing attack has been among the best in
the SEC, if not the nation. The Tigers¹ talented trio of freshman running backs
have carried their load effectively. With the return of Joseph Addai and Shyrone Carey, the LSU rushing attack is back to full strength. If the
Tiger
offensive line can continue playing to full potential, LSU should be able to
maneuver through the Tide's 24th-rated rushing defense (112 ypg).
Advantage: LSU
LSU passing offense vs. Alabama pass
defense
Alabama's passing defense has been one of the Tide's many weaknesses this
year. Don¹t expect numbers like Rohan Davey put up against Alabama in 2001
(35-of-44 for 528 yards), but quarterback Matt Mauck has been red hot lately.
Mauck completed his first 14 attempts against Louisiana Tech and ranks 12th in
the nation in pass efficiency completing 150 of 230 passes. Bama is 66th in the
country in pass efficiency defense and is allowing 215 yards per game.
Advantage: LSU
Alabama rushing offense vs. LSU rushing
defense
The Tigers' rushing defense is second-best in the nation allowing only 60
yards per game. After shutting down the best backfield in the league against
Auburn three weeks ago, the LSU defense aims to throttle the league's top
running back. Shaud Williams has gained 1,140 yards, which is tops in the SEC,
and has scored 12 touchdowns. We like the Tigers' chances.
Advantage: LSU
Alabama passing offense vs. LSU pass
defense
If there has been any phase of LSU¹s team that has been suspect in 2003, it
is the Tigers' pass defense. Although LSU is among the best in the nation in
pass efficiency defense, the Tigers are giving up 203 yards through the air,
most resulting from big plays. Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle has been banged
up most of the season, but he has big play ability. However, if the Tigers are
able to pressure Croyle like they have every other quarterback, LSU's chances
are good.
Advantage: PUSH
LSU special teams vs. Alabama special
teams
Two words - Skyler Green. LSU may not be the best field goal kicking
team in the SEC, but the Tigers dominate both sides of the punting game. Green
leads the nation in punt returns averaging 15.7 yards per return on 11 tries
with two returns for touchdowns. Green was so feared two weeks ago that
Louisiana Tech punted seven times, all of which were angled out of bounds.
Alabama is 85th in the nation in net punting, which could play right into
Green¹s hands. Plus, Donnie Jones continues to have an excellent season.
Advantage: LSU
Intangibles
The last time LSU came out of a bye week, the Tigers fell flat in a 19-7 home
loss to Florida. Alabama built some momentum with a 38-0 thrashing of
Mississippi State last week. The Tide, being ineligible for the postseason,
would enjoy nothing more than to spoil LSU¹s BCS hopes with a win over the
3rd-ranked Tigers.
Advantage: ALABAMA
Prediction
Alabama will come out sky-high against LSU in front of a
nationally-televised audience on ESPN. However, the Tide's party ends early as
the Tigers bolt out to their usual fast start. LSU may not dispose of Alabama as
quickly as Georgia did earlier this season, but the Tigers will use a blitzkrieg
attack both offensively and defensively leaving the Tide befuddled. LSU gets the
job done.
Predicted score: LSU 25, Alabama
14