re: LSU vs. Alabama - Which Defense is Better?

The DLs are almost a wash. LSU has a little more depth. LSU's DLine is faster while Alabama's is better at cramming against the run.

Alabama has a big advantage at linebacker. They have the best LBers in the nation while this is LSU's one "weakness." The one positive is that the most glaring weakness is LSU's ability to cover WRs from the LB position (here is looking at you, Hatcher), but Alabama doesn't have a very dynamic passing game.

LSU has a slight advantage at cornerback, even with Dre Kirkpatrick at Alabama. We have the best cover corners I've seen since 2003.

Alabama as the advantage at Safety although, again, the advantage is slight.

While I think from a technical standpoint Alabama has the better defense due to the LB position, I think LSU has the greater wildcard in Mathieu.