By Danny Atkinson
In the end, you have to think it would come down to this. Alabama, along with Florida, has been seen as the top team in the SEC this season. But before the Crimson Tide get the opportunity to face off against the Gators in an SEC Championship match that has seemed preordained for almost the entire season, they still have to win the SEC West. Alabama and Head Coach Nick Saban must defeat a bitter rival in the formidable LSU Tigers this Saturday to accomplish this and move closer to the ultimate goal of a BCS bowl berth. It will be an emotionally charged matchup and hopefully the best SEC game of the year.
The Crimson Tide are ranked 3rd in the BCS championship standings as well as in the polls, and they have generally played like one of the best teams in the nation all season. Alabama’s record is built upon a stout defense. Led by star linebacker Rolando McClain, the defense is ranked fifth nationally and has given up only 91 points. Even while Alabama’s offense has struggled at times, their defense has shut down top opponents like Virginia Tech and Ole Miss. In contrast to this dominating unit, the Crimson Tide’s offense is talented but often inconsistent. Alabama’s attack is ranked 33rd nationally, and Heisman candidate Mark Ingram has rushed for 1006 yards and 8 scores. But junior quarterback Greg McElroy, after a strong start to the season, has not thrown a touchdown in three contests and contributed mightily to the Tide’s offensive struggles over this time. Alabama does not need McElroy to be spectacular for the win, but he does need to be consistent and avoid making stupid mistakes.
The 9th ranked Tigers hold a 7-1 record on the season and at 4-1 in the SEC West, is the only team with a legitimate shot at knocking Alabama off the top of the division. Just like the Crimson Tide, LSU relies on a defense that is ranked seventh nationally to win games. The loaded Tigers have permitted only 97 points and shut down powerful offenses like Washington and Florida. What has held back LSU from generally being considered an elite team at this point in the season is their inconsistent offense. The Tigers are 100th nationally in total offense and only 92nd in passing offense at 203.0 yards a game. However, LSU has played much better on offense recently, scoring 71 points in their last two games. QB and enigma Jordan Jefferson has played his two best games on the season in this time, throwing for four touchdowns, and running back Charles Scott also had his best game of the season against Tulane. If the Tigers can find the few holes in Alabama’s defense on Saturday, they may be able to replicate this success.
It is my belief that outside of maybe Texas, no team has played better than Alabama this season. The Crimson Tide have shut down every team this season, and they should be able to heavily slow down LSU’s offense, which is too inconsistent and lacks the firepower to get through Alabama’s defense. Ingram should be able to carry the offense as he has done all season, even if the Tigers are able to effectively pressure McElroy. This will be a low-scoring matchup, but Alabama has more talent and weapons than LSU, and with the game in Tuscaloosa, there is no way they are going to lose. The march towards an undefeated season will continue unscathed. Alabama 17-10
