It’s the first few days of November and that only means one thing to Tide and Tiger fans: Alabama vs. LSU.
Some things hardly ever change in this series and this season is no different. The outcome of the game will have conference title and national championship implications. Every game between these two teams is more times than not a hard-fought and close win for the winning team. Two brick walls will meet on Saturday night and one will have to win: Leonard Fournette or the Tide’s run defense. That’s what everyone wants to see.
To get a feel for what Tiger fans are feeling, we took time this week to talk to Josh Criswell of Fansided’s Death Valley Voice. They are a great group of folks over there and it’s nice to talk some football at times and let go of the smack talk for a few. You can see what Josh had to say below and be sure to check out our breakdown over on their site as well.
Before we get started, what is your favorite moment from the Alabama-LSU rivalry over the years?
At 24 years old, my experience of the LSU-Alabama rivalry has been almost entirely surrounding the Les Miles and Nick Saban eras. And while Alabama’s recent dominance is what is fresh in everyone’s mind, it is often forgotten that Les had the edge in their early showdowns. My favorite moment has to be LSU’s last victory in the series: the 2011 game in Tuscaloosa. It was my first and only trip to Bryant-Denny Stadium, and it was the most significant non-championship game I’ve ever seen. People discredit the game because of the lack of scoring, but I loved it.
The past few seasons have had some incredible showdowns between the two teams, do you expect this year’s contest to come down to the wire?
Absolutely. This is arguably the best LSU team I have seen during Les Miles’ tenure. And of course, Alabama is dominant as always. I see the game coming down to the final possession, with a last-minute field goal or defensive stand being the difference.
The obvious headlines heading into the game are the Heisman Trophy contenders in the backfield and the dominant run defenses. But what is the one crucial factor in this game that is being overlooked?
Special teams. LSU has improved in recent weeks in this area, but it is impossible to forget how it nearly cost the Tigers their game against Florida. Alabama has not been phenomenal on special teams either. I do not think it will come down to who wins the third phase of the game, but who does not lose it.
Do you believe Leonard Fournette will have as much success against the Alabama defense as he has had against other teams this season?
I think he will have one of his least productive games of the year. Unfortunately for Alabama, this means about 160 rushing yards (more than any other back in the country is averaging) and at least one touchdown. The Alabama defense will be his toughest test all year, but with Fournette’s lead blocker JD Moore expected to make a much-needed return, I do not see the Tide holding him under 150 rushing yards, his current season-low.
Even casual football fans will be looking for Fournette and even Brandon Harris. Who are some other ones that Tide fans should keep an eye on? Both defense and offense and why?
As I mentioned before, JD Moore should make a huge impact at fullback. It is no coincidence that Fournette’s production dropped off slightly when Moore got injured. Travin Dural and Malachi Dupre are playmakers at wide receiver who could make a serious impact as well.
On defense, watch out for Lewis Neal at defensive end. I picked him as one of the breakout players for the Tigers this year, and he did not disappoint. He ranks among the best in the SEC in sacks, and has LSU’s single-season record within his reach.
Next: Crimson Keys: Alabama vs. LSU
Who is going to be the X-factor for LSU?
Brandon Harris. Fournette will obviously make a major impact, but in crucial situations, the Tigers will lean on their rising star at quarterback to make big plays with both his arm and his legs.
LSU will win because…
They win the turnover battle. Brandon Harris has yet to throw an interception this season, but that will be tested against an underrated Alabama secondary. And it goes without saying that special teams cannot afford to make mistakes against the Tide.
Alabama will win because…
Jacob Coker exploits LSU’s defensive backs. The secondary is typically the strength on defense for the Tigers, but not this year. Coker will have opportunities to make big plays. It is all a matter of if he executes.
Give us your final prediction for the game
Alabama takes a lead into the fourth quarter, but Fournette breaks off a long touchdown run in the final minutes to put the Tigers on top. LSU makes a defensive stand on the final possession to win the game. I can only hope.
LSU 24, Alabama 20