Alabama Football: 2017 Opponents from worst to best, LSU
By Ronald Evans
Each Monday leading up to the 2017 Alabama football season we focus on a Tide opponent from the projected worst team to the best. No. 3 is LSU.
The rundown of the 2017 Alabama football season started with this report on the Mercer Bears. Then we covered Fresno State, Colorado State, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Arkansas, Ole Miss and last week Texas A&M.
2017 Alabama Football Opponents from Worst to Best
No. 12 – Mercer Bears
No. 11 – Fresno State Bulldogs
No. 10 – Colorado State Rams
No. 9 – Vanderbilt Commodores
No. 8 – Mississippi State Bulldogs
No. 7 – Tennessee Volunteers
No. 6 – Arkansas Razorbacks
No. 5 – Ole Miss Rebels/Black Bears
No. 4 – Texas A&M Aggies
No. 3 – LSU Tigers – November 4, Tuscaloosa, AL
Alabama football versus LSU in Tuscaloosa will feature two of the most talent-laden rosters in college football. And it features a Crimson Tide win streak currently at six games against LSU.
That win streak and Les Miles’ resistance to change caused his demise in Baton Rouge. Enter, Super-Cajun and super recruiter Ed Orgeron. LSU football frenzy has returned and the sizzle has the bite of a habanero ‘kicked up’ jambalaya.
Predicting where that frenzy will lead in 2017 is as difficult as understanding a Coach O halftime interview. In his third stint as a head coach, Orgeron remains unproven. No doubt he can motivate the Tigers. How well he can coach them is another matter.
LSU Strengths
The biggest talent acquisition Orgeron reeled in during the offseason was new Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada. Canada’s wizardry created an offensive explosion last season at Pittsburgh. Canada and Defensive Coordinator, Dave Aranda can make up for Coach O’s weaknesses with x’s and o’s.
Alabama Crimson Tide Football
Orgeron brought in a strong 2017 class. There are many talented returners, including RB Derrius Guice, LB Arden Key, D-Linemen Christian LaCouture and Rashard Lawrence, DB Donte Jackson and O-Linemen Will Clapp and K.J. Malone. Tyler Shelvin, one of the top 2017 D-Line recruits should contribute by the Alabama game.
LSU Weakness
There is a lack of depth on the O-Line, particularly after the recent suspension and transfer of Maea Teuhema. Only one of the top three 2016 receivers returns for 2017, D J Chark. Six key defenders from 2016 must be replaced.
The biggest weakness for LSU is at quarterback. Danny Etling will not be tasked with winning games. The QB upside of Etling is maybe under Canada’s tutelage, he will not lose any games for LSU.
LSU should get off to a fast start but October and November is a tough run. The Tigers will go to Florida, host Auburn, travel to Oxford and Tuscaloosa, host Arkansas, go to Knoxville and finish at home against TAMU.
The wheels could fall off during that stretch. Coach O and his players will be desperate to end the streak of losses to Alabama. LSU will play tough aggressive football in 2017. The Bengal Tigers have enough talent and just enough depth to be a tough team. Can they stop the Tide win streak? Not likely.
Next: 5 Best SEC QB's not named Jalen Hurts
All that is left in our worst to best series are Auburn and FSU. Check in next week to learn more about the second toughest game on the 2017 Alabama football schedule.