🏈 Alabama notes: Night games at Tiger Stadium a challenge

[BAMANEWSBOT]

Playing at night in Tiger Stadium can be hazardous for visiting teams.

The Tigers are 236-62-4 for a .788 winning percentage since 1960 under the lights compared to 32-25-3 — .558 — in day games since 1960.

Alabama faces those heightened odds Saturday night at LSU in a crucial SEC game.

A big part of LSU's success after dark is the hostile environment Tigers fans create. Alabama safety Landon Collins, who grew up near LSU, experienced both night and days games in Tiger Stadium as a fan.

"When I went to morning games when I was being recruited, you could just feel a different atmosphere. People were calmer I guess because they had to go later on during the day and do other stuff," Collins said. "But at nighttime, it's just straight LSU. Nothing else to do. The fans just change."

Coach Nick Saban said he believes his players are prepared for the Tiger Stadium crowd after playing at Ole Miss, Arkansas and Tennessee.

"I think the crowd is always going to be very involved in the game," Saban said. "I think there's a difference being involved in the game and how committed you are to playing well and how you let that affect you. I can guarantee that their crowd's going to be very involved in the game, whether you play in the day or at night."

Saban, who coached LSU from 2000-04, experienced the night success in Baton Rouge. He also knows how to prepare his team, which is 2-1 at LSU.

"I think the focus that our players have to have and the expectation of what it takes to communicate — we've had some experience with that now on the road," Saban said.


Decatur Daily—Continue reading...

 

[Max]

i found this on bol...stat comparison
_________________________

Realizing that stats aren't everything, I can't help but look at them in the lead up to big games. In doing so, I've noticed that it appears Bama has a very favorable matchup in this game almost across the board. Now, I realize that LSU has been playing better as of late but I still don't think they have gone from bad (41-7 to Auburn) to very good (10-7 over Ole Miss). I think they're somewhere in the middle. Also, Ole Miss was just a very good matchup for LSU. The Rebels are best in their back 7, not at stopping the run...that played into LSU's hands perfectly as they run well but can't pass. Likewise, LSU is better at stopping the pass (Ole Miss' strength) than the run (Ole Miss' weakness). Anyways, these stats say a lot to me.

Run Game
While LSU runs the ball well, about as well as we do, we are 2nd nationally in rush defense while LSU is 63rd. They have played some good running teams but they are clearly not what they have been on the DL. We actually average almost a half yard more than LSU per carry and that should be noted. People love talking about how physical and great LSU is at running the ball but I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that LSU just runs so often...when you look closer, we are better at running the ball.

Passing Game
Meanwhile, our perceived defensive weakness is against the pass. Still, we're above average in this department (26th nationally in Pass Efficiency Defense) and LSU is 99th in passing offense. And, while LSU is 1st in the country in Pass Efficiency Defense, we have proven we can make teams pay through the air. We're 3rd nationally in Passing Efficiency, 2nd in Pass Yards per Attempt, and 24th in Passing Offense...Yes, we are a top 25 passing offense. Hard to believe given our history.

Another thing to consider in the passing game is sacks. LSU only has 15 sacks in 9 games while we have 21 in 8 games. We also protect the QB better (partly due to Blake's scrambling ability). When comparing the amount of passes each team has thrown to the number of sacks they have allowed, we give up 1 sack every 30 attempts...LSU gives up 1 every 12. So, we appear to be much better at not only protecting the passer but rushing the passer.

I see no real advantage LSU has on us in this game outside of turnover margin (Both teams have turned it over 13 times but they have caused 17 turnovers to our 11). However, one deceiving advantage for them may be that we have punted the ball 27 times...LSU has punted it 52 times. I almost don't like this stat considering the way we field punts. If they punt it 10 times in this game, we may fumble 4 of them (g). Joking aside, we seem to matchup very well against LSU this season. Anything can happen in Death Valley, injuries could definitely play a role, but I like our chances

 

[Crimson&WhiteGecko]

Pretty good breakdown.

I wonder how those stats compare based on Home Vs Away games. I am sure those numbers are skewed towards home games. The offense has gotten better with away games but this is still Death Valley. I know that 'Bama has a better win record there but it is still Death Valley.

 

[UAgrad93]

The media likes to pump up the mystique about Tiger Stadium at night and how daunting the task is. They need to put it in a better perspective I believe. How about, LSwho's record at night against Power 5 teams at night in Tiger Stadium. BAMA can pump up their stats at night in Bryant Denny by scheduling Directional Tech and the Sisters of the Poor at 6pm!

 

[PhillyGirl]

It's all psychological. Mind over matter. Focus completely on the task at hand, and the time of day and the location of the game won't be a factor.

 

[TerryP]

Pretty good breakdown.

I wonder how those stats compare based on Home Vs Away games. I am sure those numbers are skewed towards home games. The offense has gotten better with away games but this is still Death Valley. I know that 'Bama has a better win record there but it is still Death Valley.

As with any team, those numbers are going to be skewed towards home games because of when teams start playing conference schedules.

Total offense comparisons:

Bama:

LSU: