Reina Kempt
Alabama 24, LSU 20
Death Valley is a place where anything can happen. So I don't expect the Tigers to lay down without a fight with the chip on their shoulder they have for former LSU coach Nick Saban. If the Crimson Tide can execute and play good football, then I expect Alabama to win, but not without LSU close behind.
D.C. Reeves
Alabama 21, LSU 14
LSU wants to run the ball. It doesn't pass well. Alabama's best personnel group is its defensive front and it has had two weeks to prepare a way to force the Tigers out of its ground game. Outside of a multiple-interception game from QB Blake Sims, I think Alabama succeeds in Baton Rouge.
Michael Southern
Alabama 23, LSU 13
The keys for Alabama are a fast start and controlling the line of scrimmage. LSU will try everything it can to turn this into a street fight. Alabama does not need this to be a one possession game late in the fourth quarter.
Edwin Stanton
Alabama 21, LSU 10
Playing in Death Valley. At night. Against Alabama. That alone should give LSU a decisive edge for this game. And it will, for about a half. Alabama will probably struggle early while trying to find its rhythm. That won't hurt too bad considering LSU's struggles in the passing game. If Alabama can pass this test, facing No. 1 Mississippi State at Bryant-Denny Stadium next week won't be so daunting.
Aaron Suttles
Alabama 20, LSU 13
If Blake Sims is to succeed, the tale will be written in whether the offense can stay in manageable distance and downs on second and third. Sims will have to make plays with his arm and feet if Alabama is able to stay in the thick of the SEC West division race.
Tony Tsoukalas
Alabama 24, LSU 10
Amari Cooper has handled everything opposing defenses have thrown his way this season. He will need another big game for Alabama if it hopes to come out of Death Valley with its playoff hopes still intact. Look for LSU to stack the line of scrimmage and force Blake Sims into passing situations, and look for Cooper to continue to prove no college cornerback, or cornerbacks, can contain him.
Who has the edge?
By Tommy Deas
Offense: Alabama
Alabama is more dymanic on offense, and more balanced. Blake Sims is among the most efficient quarterbacks in the country, and Amari Cooper may be the best wideout in all of college football. The question here is how well UA's offensive line holds up. LSU has discovered its offensive identity, and that is physical, run-oriented football. Leonard Fournette will get a lot of carries to help ease the pressure on quarterback Anthony Jennings.
Defense: Alabama
The Crimson Tide ranks No. 1 in the SEC in total defense and second in scoring defense. LSU ranks one spot behind Alabama in both categories. Yards and points won't be easy to come by at Tiger Stadium. Reggie Ragland has emerged as a playmaker for UA, which limits opponents to just 78.1 yards per game on the ground. LSU is just average against the run, but ranks at the top of the SEC in pass defense.
Special teams: LSU
Improvement in the kicking game is essential for UA, which has made just two of its last six field goal attempts, while LSU's Colby Delahoussaye has made 8 of 9, including a 50-yard game-winner against Florida. JK Scott is a weapon at punter for Alabama with a 46.6-yard average, so he could play a big role in a game of field position. Either team is a threat to break a long kickoff or punt return, but UA has to hold onto the football.
Coaching: Alabama
LSU's Les Miles says some goofy things, but he's not a goofy coach. The Tigers looked lost after falling to Mississippi State and Auburn, but Miles has steadied the ship. LSU fans know how good Nick Saban is, since he once coached there. Alabama has turned to Lane Kiffin to add some spark to the offense, and so far he has proven to have been a solid hire. He'll need to be at his best against LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis.
Intangibles: LSU
Playing LSU at night in Death Valley is never to be taken lightly. The Bayou Bengals have a different kind of swagger when playing on their own turf after dark. Alabama had a good start at Tennessee, but didn't sustain that high level of performance and hasn't played its best football on the road. This is a make-or-break game for both teams, so expect an electric atmosphere.
Prediction:
Alabama 20, LSU 13
Both teams have been inconsistent: Alabama looked great against Texas A&M and early against Tennesee, but mediocre against Ole Miss and Arkansas. LSU was really bad against Auburn but toughed out a victory over Ole Miss. Alabama's edge is in its ability to create big plays.
https://alabama.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?fid=427&tid=206327532&mid=206327532&sid=885&style=2
Alabama 24, LSU 20
Death Valley is a place where anything can happen. So I don't expect the Tigers to lay down without a fight with the chip on their shoulder they have for former LSU coach Nick Saban. If the Crimson Tide can execute and play good football, then I expect Alabama to win, but not without LSU close behind.
D.C. Reeves
Alabama 21, LSU 14
LSU wants to run the ball. It doesn't pass well. Alabama's best personnel group is its defensive front and it has had two weeks to prepare a way to force the Tigers out of its ground game. Outside of a multiple-interception game from QB Blake Sims, I think Alabama succeeds in Baton Rouge.
Michael Southern
Alabama 23, LSU 13
The keys for Alabama are a fast start and controlling the line of scrimmage. LSU will try everything it can to turn this into a street fight. Alabama does not need this to be a one possession game late in the fourth quarter.
Edwin Stanton
Alabama 21, LSU 10
Playing in Death Valley. At night. Against Alabama. That alone should give LSU a decisive edge for this game. And it will, for about a half. Alabama will probably struggle early while trying to find its rhythm. That won't hurt too bad considering LSU's struggles in the passing game. If Alabama can pass this test, facing No. 1 Mississippi State at Bryant-Denny Stadium next week won't be so daunting.
Aaron Suttles
Alabama 20, LSU 13
If Blake Sims is to succeed, the tale will be written in whether the offense can stay in manageable distance and downs on second and third. Sims will have to make plays with his arm and feet if Alabama is able to stay in the thick of the SEC West division race.
Tony Tsoukalas
Alabama 24, LSU 10
Amari Cooper has handled everything opposing defenses have thrown his way this season. He will need another big game for Alabama if it hopes to come out of Death Valley with its playoff hopes still intact. Look for LSU to stack the line of scrimmage and force Blake Sims into passing situations, and look for Cooper to continue to prove no college cornerback, or cornerbacks, can contain him.
Who has the edge?
By Tommy Deas
Offense: Alabama
Alabama is more dymanic on offense, and more balanced. Blake Sims is among the most efficient quarterbacks in the country, and Amari Cooper may be the best wideout in all of college football. The question here is how well UA's offensive line holds up. LSU has discovered its offensive identity, and that is physical, run-oriented football. Leonard Fournette will get a lot of carries to help ease the pressure on quarterback Anthony Jennings.
Defense: Alabama
The Crimson Tide ranks No. 1 in the SEC in total defense and second in scoring defense. LSU ranks one spot behind Alabama in both categories. Yards and points won't be easy to come by at Tiger Stadium. Reggie Ragland has emerged as a playmaker for UA, which limits opponents to just 78.1 yards per game on the ground. LSU is just average against the run, but ranks at the top of the SEC in pass defense.
Special teams: LSU
Improvement in the kicking game is essential for UA, which has made just two of its last six field goal attempts, while LSU's Colby Delahoussaye has made 8 of 9, including a 50-yard game-winner against Florida. JK Scott is a weapon at punter for Alabama with a 46.6-yard average, so he could play a big role in a game of field position. Either team is a threat to break a long kickoff or punt return, but UA has to hold onto the football.
Coaching: Alabama
LSU's Les Miles says some goofy things, but he's not a goofy coach. The Tigers looked lost after falling to Mississippi State and Auburn, but Miles has steadied the ship. LSU fans know how good Nick Saban is, since he once coached there. Alabama has turned to Lane Kiffin to add some spark to the offense, and so far he has proven to have been a solid hire. He'll need to be at his best against LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis.
Intangibles: LSU
Playing LSU at night in Death Valley is never to be taken lightly. The Bayou Bengals have a different kind of swagger when playing on their own turf after dark. Alabama had a good start at Tennessee, but didn't sustain that high level of performance and hasn't played its best football on the road. This is a make-or-break game for both teams, so expect an electric atmosphere.
Prediction:
Alabama 20, LSU 13
Both teams have been inconsistent: Alabama looked great against Texas A&M and early against Tennesee, but mediocre against Ole Miss and Arkansas. LSU was really bad against Auburn but toughed out a victory over Ole Miss. Alabama's edge is in its ability to create big plays.
https://alabama.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?fid=427&tid=206327532&mid=206327532&sid=885&style=2
