re: Amazing Study of Contrasts - Miles/Saban philosophies

Bear said the same thing about his style and that of Bobby Dodd. Said he was tough on his players while Dodd was much easier and said there was no perfect way as each style worked for him and Dodd.

Or see the Orange Bowl when Bear took Kentucky to play Santa Clara. two completely different approaches and you might be surprised at who won.

I have been thinking the exact same thing. I think it will make a difference in a huge game like this.

FWIW, IMHO: 1. We have a big advantage at QB. JL has thrown some perfect deep passes. And we have better receivers. I don't think McCarron is in Lee's league throwing deep.

2. I agree, TN stopped Richardson, and made McCarron beat them by passing. I don't think he can throw for 250 yards against our secondary.

3. We have essentially 8 starters on the DL. We can rotate them all game. They won't wear down in the 2nd half. Also, as someone said, LSU did well last year against almost same OL.

4. BAMA's advantage is that 3-4 defense. But it relies on receivers being jammed at the line and confusing the QB. Our receivers are very good. On the other hand, Saban's cornerbacks usually excel at bump and mug coverage. These matchups, and handling different linebackers rushing on each play, may be one key to the game.

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The teams are virtually indistinguishable

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I disagree.

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The OLines are a push

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Maybe.

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Bama's only significant edge is at linebacker

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Not true. They play a 3-4...doesn't compare well with our 4-3 and athletic D-line.

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LSU's special teams, particularly the punt team is LSU's only significant advantage.

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Agreed ST are a significant advantage for LSU...most underestimate the weight of this advantage.

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LSU's DL is probably a little better and much deeper. Ditto for the Secondary.

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Yes we are.

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I think we have more guys who can make plays at receiver

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Understated.

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QBs are a push, except that we have 2.

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So, that ain't equal...we're deeper with more varied skill.

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They have a slight edge at RB, and we have a slight edge at FB.

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Wrong. We are deeper at tailback and better at FB.

We're road tested and have beaten 5 ranked opponents by double digits...mostly blow-outs. This will not be a close game. those that think it will be have been drinking the network cool-aid...this is a 21 point Tiger win.

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It's been mentioned ad nasueum on these boards about the differences between Miles and Saban and their coaching philosophies. While both are extremely successful, Miles' teams always appear to be having more fun, which allows them to play looser. Saban is such a hard arse, that his players sometimes seem to play tight and are afraid of making mistakes. Granted they are a well-oiled fundamentally sound machine, but never seem to be totally enjoying themselves.

I think the magnitude of the next 2 weeks is going to cause Saban much more stress. While he's busy dictating to the media trying to downplay the game and excitement, Miles is reveling in the moment. I did notice in the past in big games while at LSU that Saban appeared to get really conservative and the teams sometimes came out very tight (At Ole Miss for SEC West Championship comes to mind)

Because Miles has proven so successful with handling distractions and rolling with the punches this season, I'm going to give the edge to LSU. I think Bama tightens up in this game (including their coaching staff becoming overly conservative).

I can tell you one thing....LSU will be having much more fun these next 2 weeks enjoying the moment, and I think that translates to the field on Nov. 5.

LSU 20
Bama 13

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I agree with this 100% a search of my posts would show that I have mentioned this before. LSU plays with passion, and Bama plays with fear. LSU players want to play hard for their coach, Bama players want to avoid an arse chewing. I say that will be the difference in this game. There will be a feeding frenzy in this game that will discourage the Tide and make it hard for them to pay well.

Good post. I see the biggest key being our ability to prevent them from picking up first downs. If put the in 3rd and 7+ and prevent the passes to the flat and H backs it will be a long night for Bama.