Power Ranking: Alabama’s Top Five 2014 SEC Opponents
By Chris Hale
Oct 19, 2013; Oxford, MS, USA; LSU Tigers helmet during the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi Rebels defeat the LSU Tigers 27-24. Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
2. LSU Tigers (10-3 Last Season)
Nine times out of ten in the past few years, this is the game that decides the SEC West. There have been some classic games between Alabama and LSU, and with the trip to Baton Rouge factored in with some rowdy Cajuns looking to take down the Tide, this could be the year.
Sports Illustrated’s Ben Glickman said it best about LSU: heavy on potential, light on experience. And he is also right about this: They are still LSU.
The Tigers lost nine starters to the NFL draft this year including quarterback Zach Mettenberger, wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckam Jr, as well as running back Jeremy Hill.
There is still no decision on whether the Tigers will go with sophomore Brandon Jennings or freshman Brandon Harris at quarterback. One of the better running back prospects in quite sometime, Leonard Fournette, will look to make some noise at that position and will more than likely do so. The offensive line will be experienced and returns three starters.
Only five starters return to a defense that held opponents to 22 points per game and 340 yards per game. The Tigers will once again have a strong linebacking crew with returners D.J. Welter (80 tackles), Kwon Alexander (65 tackles) and Lamar Louis (25 tackles). The defensive line lost two starters in Anthony Johnson and Ego Fergurson but the secondary looks to be a strong suit for the Tigers once again.
Coach Les Miles said “Death Valley is a place where opponent’s dreams go to die.” Will that be the case this year, or will the Tide have another T.J. Yeldon screen pass up their sleeve?