Alabama Football hosting the LSU Bengal Tigers Saturday night is a departure from games of the last decade. The LSU program is in shambles with lame-duck Head Coach, Ed Orgeron. There is such a small chance of a competitive game (none actually), it was almost scheduled for the 11:00 AM CST slot, the same as the upcoming New Mexico State game.
Tickets to the game are not in short supply. LSU fans did not buy their designated allotment and the school returned tickets to Tuscaloosa.
Saturday will be the 86th meeting between the two schools. Alabama has a strong lead in the series at 54 wins to 26 wins for the Bengal Tigers. Success by the visiting team is a fairly common oddity in the series. That will not be repeated Saturday night.
As always, LSU has top talent on its roster. This season that roster has been depleted by player transfers and injuries. One LSU position group, seriously depleted by injury is cornerback. If healthy, Derek Stingley and Elias Ricks would be two of the nation’s best. Neither is expected to play for the rest of the season. LSU’s top wide receiver, Kayshon Boutte is also injured.
Max Johnson has filled in capably at quarterback after the injury to Myles Brennan, but his offensive line is often weak in pass protection and ineffective in the run game. One exception being Florida could not stop the rushing of Tyrion Davis-Price.
Why Alabama will win
- LSU depth issues are significant
- Alabama has the more talented and the deeper roster
- Alabama has the far superior coaching staff
- After falling two or more scores behind, LSU players may accept defeat
What will happen
The LSU program has residual pride. LSU players will hope to impress NFL scouts in attendance. LSU will battle early before fading.
Alabama vs. LSU Odds
According to WynnBET, the Crimson Tide is a 28-point favorite. The game’s over-under is set at 65.5 points. The four-touchdown spread is staggering given the history of the programs during the Alabama Crimson Tide’s Nick Saban era.
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Alabama vs. LSU Game Prediction
The early week prediction is, Alabama wins over LSU and covers the betting spread.
How long will it take for a new head coach to bring LSU back? It depends on who LSU chooses, but an elite coach could have the Bengal Tigers back as soon as next season.