All week we’ve been breaking down the Alabama vs. LSU game, and we wanted to wrap up our week of analysis with an overall breakdown of both sides of the ball, as well as special teams. Despite the hype surrounding this game, the Tide coaches and players alike are taking the same approach they always take in preparation. Tide players are preparing for this game with the same intensity and focus that has become a benchmark for this team.
LSU head coach Les Miles chose not to take that approach, stating “this isn’t just another game,” and seems to embrace the idea of looking at things differently. He is allowing his players much more access to the media than Saban is and prefers to let them be loose.
I prefer Saban’s method of continuing to do the things that got you to where you are instead of asking the players to change a routine that has been very successful for Alabama. I don’t agree with the popular opinion that these two teams are mirror images; they’re very much different in attitude, approach and personnel. There is certainly no shortage of opinions, analysis and hype surrounding this rare matchup of the top two teams in the nation. This week we look at all three phases of the game from the Tide perspective.
Offense. The Alabama offense epitomizes balance, toughness, patience and physicality. All the hype surrounding Trent Richardson is a testament to his superior play at the running back position and the excellent blocking up front. Many teams want to establish the run to set up the pass, and that goal was accomplished weeks ago. The idea that shutting down Trent assures a win for LSU is one Tide coaches will try and use as an advantage. Don’t be surprised to see the Tide come out in a five-wide set and go with some no-huddle offense early to keep LSU’s defense from making as many substitutions. West Virginia had success working the middle of the field and in the screen game against LSU and Bama’s passing game has made a living in that part of the field.
At some point Alabama will have to line up and run the ball. Look for them to attack the middle of that Tiger defense and attempt to wear them down. Alabama doesn’t need to get into a foot race with LSU, they will stay within what they do best, which is line up and pound defenses. Alabama’s receivers face the biggest test of the year and will have to play heads up, not try and do too much against a group coached to strip the ball. Maze and Hanks will be covered by LSU’s best DB’s which makes receivers Bell and White’s role crucial. White and Bell have improved every game and will have favorable matchups Saturday; they need to make the most of it. Alabama TE’s Smelley and Williams will also have an advantage against smaller LSU linebackers and need a big game to help McCarron out. LSU excels chasing down the deep ball and that isn’t exactly Bama’s strength, but a few shots have to be taken. The good news is McCarron always puts the ball where either his receiver gets it or nobody does.
The advantage when Bama’s offense is on the field is circumstantial; Alabama has to control the tempo of the game, minimize mistakes and make LSU play their game. There will be some wrinkles but the Tide will still do what they do best and not stray too far from who they are. The Tigers defense feeds off of emotion and big plays, so execution is the key to Tide success.
Offensive key: A.J. McCarron’s decision making is crucial; he must be patient, heads up and take what he can get. He cannot hold the ball like in the past, he must make faster decisions.
Defense. We all know about the Tide defense and what they’re capable of doing. Many Tide players feel they haven’t played a complete game as they haven’t really needed to. Saban has his most experienced, talented and hungry defense yet, and that will allow coach Smart to dial up blitzes and pressures that Bama didn’t show LSU last year due to inexperience. Keeping LSU from getting their emotions up by making big plays is of the utmost importance. The Tigers are an emotional bunch and shutting the offense down will go a long way in controlling this game. The first order of business is controlling the line and the run game. Bama must be physical and disciplined in assignments; last year busted coverage and reverses were detrimental. They must be aggressive but mot to the point they over pursue on misdirection plays. LSU has shown a read/option package when Jefferson comes in so Bama has to expect him to take some shots downfield. LSU is hoping the Tide defense cheats up when Jefferson is in due to his ability to run, opening up some big pass plays for Jefferson.
Alabama’s defense has a decided advantage due to experience and LSU not being an offensive power. Alabama allows a meager 44 yards rushing per game and must continue to do that to be successful. If that Bama D-line and linebackers can shut down the ground attack then they are in the driver’s seat. Forcing Jarrett Lee to throw the ball more than he wants to, earlier than he wants to and off-balance is the key to winning this battle. LSU is 8th in passing offense in the SEC and Alabama is the number one pass defense in the league. Bama safeties Barron and Lester will be very active and can make life miserable for Lee/Jefferson if they’re forced to throw the ball. The key to victory starts with the defensive unit keeping LSU’s offense in check and on the sidelines. If Alabama can force LSU into third and long situations, they can cause chaos. Keeping LSU’s defense on the field as much as possible will play right into the hands of Alabama’s physical rushing attack. Affecting the quarterback by hitting him as much as possible is a staple of the Bama defense and they have to continue to do that in this game.
Defensive key: C. J. Moseley needs to be a factor in the passing defense for Alabama. Moseley is a big playmaker that isn’t being talked about much; he has the ability to change the entire game with a pick six and will be all over the field.
Special Teams. Alabama’s special teams are a bit of a double-edged sword. The punting is solid but not great and the coverage has been great not allowing any long punt returns. The Tide hopes to be kicking off often and has been very good covering kickoffs this year and the need for deep kickoffs on a consistent basis can’t be overstated with LSU’s excellent return history. The Tide kick coverage went through a two game stretch where they were slacking a bit and seemed to respond well when Saban called them out on it. They will have to be heads-up and maintain their lanes against the Tigers return men keeping the field position manageable.
Marquis Maze is always a threat to take a kick or punt all the way back and LSU has an excellent punter. If Maze can at least get his hands on the ball there is a chance for big things but I don’t expect them to be kicking to him purposefully. LSU kickers do an excellent job with hang time allowing the players fly down the field and eliminate the return. The Tigers haven’t allowed as much as ten yards on any return this year so Maze will have to be patient.
Special teams key: The Tide cover units on punt and kick duty. They have build a reputation for bringing the pain with big hits and forced fumbles always wind up being huge for the winning team.