re: How big is "Home Dome" advantage really?

I believe the advantage will be significant for several reasons, most already mentioned.

1. It's an easier trip for both the team and the LSU fans.

2. While both teams have both size and speed, LSU has the speed advantage, which will be aided by the fast field in the Dome. The only bowl game that Miles has lost was against Penn State a few years ago, and few would argue that he would not have won that game as well if it had been played on a decent field and not that crap they played in. Power and size excel on grass; speed is better on turf.

3. I've said this jokingly, but I believe there is some truth to it. LSU's fans are louder under normal circumstances, but more so in the dome. May sound crazy, but I think there is a New Orleans factor that affects the opposing team's fans. For them, it isn't just a game, it's a trip to N.O., which means partying in the Quarter, and many of them aren't used to that level of partying. I think there will be a larger percentage of Bama fans nursing bad hangovers, which isn't conducive to yelling!