Thoughts on LSU-Bama from a UT fan

Since we played both teams, I'll throw my 2 cents in on this game.

First, I went on SEC rant in preseason and said LSU was overrated. Boy was I wrong. LSU is stacked and they keep impressing me. On to the game...

I think the game is dead even. Each team does have it's weaknesses though.

When Bama runs- Advantage Bama
LSU has a good run D, but to me it is all about Richardson. The Bama O-Line is strong but your D-Line is just as good, but i don't see anyone stop Richardson. He is just a beast.

When Bama passes- Advantage LSU
Your secondary should be able to cover their recievers pretty well. The key though is your pass rush. If you let McCarron sit back their all day, he will find an open reciever. I actually think McCarron is solid, but the recievers are their weakness. Watch for Richardson catching the ball as well.

When LSU runs- Advantage Bama
Ware is the most violent running back I have seen in a long time. He is about as good as Richardson, (richardson has a little more agility and vision), but Bama's size and depth is the biggest factor here. You have lived on pounding the ball then going over top on tired D's. That won't work on Bama. They have so much depth in front seven. You can get enough yards to move sticks though, maybe around 100-150 total on ground.

When LSU passes- Advantage LSU
Your recievers are impressive and your O-Line provides great protection. Again, the pass rush is so huge. Can you block Upshaw? If you do, I think Randle hits some big plays. Your tight end and backs can get some yards against Bama's D also I think. Bama's safeties are a little overrated as well I think.

Prediction- I think it's a great game that goes down to wire. Ultimately I think Bama's front seven stops your run well enough to keep defense fresh, and helps save their best for end of game. I think it's 24-21 Bama with 2 or 3 min to go. After driving down the field to around the 35 or so, Upshaw gets around the edge and sacks Lee causing a fumble that gets taken back for a TD. 31-21 Bama.

I would not be surprised to see you go in and jump out to a big lead as well. The intagible edge is in your favor big time. Your team has a swagger and level of confidence that I haven't seen a team have in a while. The talent is so close its impossible to say one team is better, so come saturday night I will be surprised at anything that happpens.