ALLSTATE BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (8:30 pm, ESPN)
The rematch of the century is happening. After their epic defensive struggle on November 5th, the #1 LSU Tigers will face off again versus the #2 Alabama Crimson Tide. This game promises to be another defensive struggle. In their first meeting, the Tigers defeated the Crimson Tide 9-6 in overtime, in a game which saw Alabama kickers Cade Foster and Jeremy Shelley combined to miss 4 out of 6 field goals.
Both teams feature strong running games, and capable passing games. Alabama has Heisman Trophy finalist Trent Richardson at running back. Richardson, a power back, ran for 1583 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. He is also the Crimson Tide's second leading receiver. Quarterback AJ McCarron has thrown for 2400 yards and 15 touchdowns as well this yard, mostly looking toward Richardson and leading receiver Marquis Maze, who had 56 receptions. For LSU, they have employ two quarterbacks and four running backs. At QB, seniors Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson lead the way. Lee is a pocket passer, and leads the team with 1306 yards and 14 touchdowns against only 3 touchdowns. Jefferson, a dual threat quarterback who was suspended for the first four games of the season due to a bar fight and subsequent arrest, has taken over as the starter since LSU played Alabama. He has thrown for 684 yards and 6 touchdowns versus only 1 interception, and rushed for 248 yards and 3 touchdowns as well. He is a very good option quarterback, which will add to LSU's offensive arsenal. Except to see both quarterbacks tonight. Their main target will be Rueben Randle, a Junior who leads all LSU receivers with 50 catches for 904 yards and 8 touchdowns. The Tigers also have four running backs who have over 300 yards this season. Sophomore Michael Ford leads the way with 755 yards and 7 touchdowns, followed by Sophomore Spencer Ware, who has 700 yards and 8 touchdowns. Sophomore Alfred Blue is next, with 539 yards and 7 touchdowns, fourth is Freshman Kenny Hillard, who has 320 yards and 8 touchdowns. Combined, they have run for 2314 yards and 30 touchdowns.
This game will be about the defense though. Alabama leads the nation in defensive yards allowed per game at 191.3. LSU is second at 252.1. LSU has a pair of All-American cornerbacks in Morris Claiborne and Heisman finalist Tyrann "The Honey Badger" Mathieu. Mathieu, a sophomore, had an amazing season, with 71 tackles, 2 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks, and 2 punt returns for touchdowns. Claiborne, not to be outdone, also had 6 interceptions. LSU also got great pressure on the quarterback, recording 37 sacks as a team. Alabama is led on defense by linebackers Courtney Upshaw, who had 8.5 sacks, and Dont'a Hightower, who led Alabama with 81 tackles. Both were All-Americans.
The defenses will decide this game. If one offense is able to break the other, then this game won't even be close. But with the way both defenses have played this season, this is unlikely. The team that makes the most big plays and wins the field position battle will win the game and the national championship tonight.
Prediction- LSU 17, Alabama 12
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