Oregon fan's prediction and breakdown (long)

I've posted on here a good bit because I tend to follow the SEC more than the Pac 12. I know, that sounds bad, but can you blame me? I'm armed with the LSU roster so I can get the names correct. I've seen both teams play the majority of their games this year and this is my breakdown on why LSU will leave Tuscaloosa with a win.

FIELD POSITION
I think Les ultimately knows he has the all around better team and will wisely make this game a battle of field position. I do think LSU will have some difficulty moving the ball, but that is to be expected. I don't think anyone was predicting that LSU would put up 45+ points. However, LSU will be able to move the ball just enough on non scoring drives to have punter Brad Wing pin the Alabama offense back inside their own 10 yard line. I think Alabama will not be able to constantly drive the ball 90ish yards on the LSU defense to score. They may pick up 20, 30, 40 yards on them, but they will stall out the majority of the time and will be forced to punt or attempt a long field goal. They may once be able to rip off a really long, touchdown scoring drive because anything is possible. However, I wouldn't bet on it.

ALABAMA OFFENSE
-Now, I for one, think the Alabama offense is one dimensional. Yes, I'm aware that stats say otherwise. But, Alabama really hasn't faced too many solid defenses. Everyone knows Alabama's running game is their bread and butter so they sell out to stop it. Unsuccessfully I might add. That sets up for easy throws by McCarron (who isn't that good in my opinion). IF LSU can get up on Alabama real quickly...lights out my friends. Alabama's offense isn't built to come from behind and I don't think McCarron can lead his team from behind.

ALABAMA DEFENSE
Now, lets not mix words here. They are scary good. But, they aren't the best thing since sliced bread. For one, they really haven't faced too many offenses that wow me for one. I think their secondary is slightly overrated. Their front seven is what it is. It's a beast. But, LSU has always had success against them for some reason. I don't expect anything differently this game. I fully expect LSU to have over 100 yards rushing against them.

LSU DEFENSE
Yes, we all know that they are quick and fast. But the quality depth LSU has is unreal. Normally, when Alabama when Alabama is playing Penn State, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida, etc. they have just pounded them the second half. Most Alabama fans believe they'll do the same to LSU. Hey, Tide fans, have you watched a LSU game this season? This isn't going to be the same, worn out defensive line in the second half that your offensive line is used to. LSU can rotate 10 legitimate players on defensive line. Seriously. Their second string line could start at the majority of all colleges in the NCAA. When a fresh string of players are coming in, your offensive line will be the ones starting to suck wind. You won't get that push like you expected. I promise that.
LSU's secondary is just nasty. Alabama fans love Dre? Please. Dre would be 4th string (behind Claiborne, Mathieu, and Simon) at LSU. Alabama fans love Mark Barron? Please. LSU has sophomores that don't start that are better than him. Alabama's passing game will not be a factor in this game.

LSU OFFENSE
Now, I do think LSU will have problems on offense, but like I said earlier, that is too be expected. The good thing about the LSU offense is that they have a very strong offensive line, two strong blocking fullbacks, and a strong blocking tight end (Clement). LSU also has six legitimate guys that can all run the ball (Ware, Ford, Blue, Hilliard, Russel Shepard, Jordan Jefferson). I keep hearing about the nasty, big Alabama linebackers. Which they are. However, Spencer Ware, Kenny Hilliard, and Jordan Jefferson aren't exactly small guys. Did you see Jefferson's touchdown run in the Tennessee game? What about Hilliard in the Auburn game?
I don't think Alabama's linebackers and secondary can cover Randle and Odell Beckham (who as made big plays since the very first game). Seriously, the LSU v. Oregon game was a huge one and the freshman Beckham took it in stride and made huge plays. I think Lee has a solid day throwing (180 yards, no picks).
Jordan Jefferson...I think he knows this is his game of a lifetime. He is going to want to right the ship after all the previous mess and he'll make some solid plays.

My prediction:

LSU - 24
Alabama - 20