Tiger Weekly - Serving Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Grudge match

By Jason Picone

Finally, the game everyone has been waiting for is here. This Saturday the Tigers head to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama and former LSU coach Nick Saban in a game that will likely decide the SEC West. It was just four years ago that Saban led the Tigers to the 2003 BCS National Title and now he stands in the way of a chase for another national title. Coming off of a much needed bye week, the Tigers are healthy, rested, and most importantly focused for the biggest road test of the season. Every LSU fan is ready for this game and fans hope the Tigers ready, but have no fear because I can assure you that they will give Alabama a fight they will remember for years.

 

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LSU quarterbacks vs. Alabama secondary

Almost two weeks ago against Auburn, Flynn had a career night with 319 passing yards and 3 TDs, including the game winning TD pass with one second left in the game. I think it is safe to say that Flynn is 100 percent healthy and ready for more this weekend. As for backup QB Ryan Perrilloux, the sophomore was involved in an altercation at the Varsity Theatre early Friday, but it appears that he was the victim of the fight so he should play Saturday.

The Tide was off last week as well and it was fitting because their secondary has been off all season. Alabama comes in with the ninth ranked pass defense in the SEC giving up 223 yards per game through the air. That means safeties Rashad Johnson and Marcus Carter will see a couple of long bombs thrown their way.

Advantage: LSU

 

LSU running backs vs. Alabama linebackers

Workhorse tailback Jacob Hester should be at full strength and ready to pound through the Alabama defense. Watch for Charles Scott and Keiland Williams to get a couple touches as Les Miles rides the hot hand. My guess is that the Tigers will run downhill until Alabama proves it can stop them.

This will be a different look for the Tigers as Alabama runs a 3-4 defense. The Tide will play four linebackers and three D-lineman, but that just means there will be more space for the LSU O-line to create. Freshman Rolando McClain is second on the team with 47 tackles and he will do his best to clog the middle.

Advantage: LSU

 

LSU wide receivers vs. Alabama cornerbacks

Senior Early Doucet made his return against the War Eagle/Plainsmen/Tigers, which likely made the difference in LSU’s 30-24 win. He led the team with 7 catches for 93 yards, while no other receiver had more than 3 catches. Also, junior Demetrius Byrd became a campus legend after his incredible 22-yard game winning TD catch with just one second left and with the way sophomore Brandon LaFell has struggled look for Byrd to see more passes his way.

Senior Simeon Castille has plenty of experience being a three-year starter, but he his help on the other side is only a freshman in Kareem Jackson. I expect Jackson to be picked on early and often no matter what receiver he covers.

Advantage: LSU

 

LSU offensive line vs. Alabama defensive line

Each week the O-line shows improvement. Against Auburn’s No. 2 SEC run defense, LSU put up 169 rushing yards thanks to the effort of the men in the trenches. The overlooked stat was that the Tigers only gave up two sacks and gave Flynn time to throw all night. If they can duplicate that performance against Alabama, they should move the ball and control the clock all day long.

The man to watch will be senior DE Wallace Gilberry who is fifth in the SEC with an impressive 12 tackles for loss. He also leads the Tide with four sacks, but the team is 10th in the SEC with only 14 sacks this season.

Advantage: LSU

 

Alabama quarterbacks vs. LSU secondary

Please tell me a successful QB that goes by three names. This season you have John David Booty and John Parker Wilson. Booty has already killed USC’s chances at a National Title or even a Pac-10 title and now Wilson is a loss away from sending the Tide to the Cotton Bowl or the Outback Bowl at best. Wilson did throw three TDs and 363 yards against Tennessee, but he is only eighth in the SEC in passing efficiency.

Hard-hitting senior Craig Steltz had 10 tackles against Auburn and he should be very involved in the battle this week. Also, junior Curtis Taylor has stepped in nicely this season with the departure of first round pick LaRon Landry and he might be good for an interception this Saturday.

Advantage: LSU

Alabama running backs vs. LSU linebackers

Surprisingly, the Tide running game is led by a freshman in Terry Grant who has over 700 yards and seven TDs, but this is the best run defense he will face all year. For Alabama to win they will need Grant to be effective and pick up tough first downs.

In Grant’s way though is Tiger second leading tackler senior Ali Highsmith. He racked up a team leading 11 tackles against Auburn and he should be around the ball all day.

Advantage: LSU

 

Alabama wide receivers vs. LSU cornerbacks

Here lies the playmaker for the Crimson Tide. Senior receiver DJ Hall had a school-record 13 catches for 185 yards and two TDs against the helpless Vols. He leads the SEC with 764 receiving yards and he will be the best wide out LSU has seen all year.

The senior duo of Chevis Jackson and Jonathan Zenon has been strong all season, but lately they have been susceptible to giving up big plays. They cannot afford to make mistakes in coverage against a guy like Hall and expect to win.

Advantage: Alabama

 

Alabama offensive line vs. LSU defensive line

The Tide O-line has given up only 14 sacks this season and helped pave the way for a solid running game. However, Alabama starts just one senior in G Justin Britt and that could be a factor in a big game like this.

The big question for the Tigers is will senior DT Glen Dorsey be able to play? Dorsey suffered a horrific illegal chop block from Auburn that took him out of the game. If Dorsey doesn’t play, sophomore DT Al Woods has some experience and the talent to help fill the hole.

Advantage: LSU

 

 

Special Teams

Tide sophomore kicker Leigh Tiffin is just 15-22 this season on field goals and only 7-13 on field goals over 30 yards. Also, the Tide has yet to return a punt or kick return for a TD this year. Why DJ Hall doesn’t return kicks or punts for them is beyond me.

The Tigers counter with junior kicker Colt David who was a clutch 3-3 on field goals last week. David is 14 of 19 on the season and he could play a huge role in a close game. Also, freshman Chad Jones has been impressive returning punts the last few games and he could give LSU good field position.

Advantage: LSU

 

 

Prediction:

LSU 27 – Alabama 17

Originally Published: October 31, 2007

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