Finally. After 2 long weeks of Tua talk, player dismissals, opinions, unrest, and nervous excitement, we’re here. It’s officially the weekend, and I don’t have to be distracted with trivial things like work and real life decisions. It’s time for our annual measuring stick, the Saban Bowl. This team has broken records with a Heisman trophy candidate at QB. This is the best offensive LSU team to ever play. Excitement is at an all time high, but even the biggest LSU homers still quietly wonder: Can we do it against Bama? The world is about to find out. These teams are mirror images of each other in many ways, so let’s take a deeper dive into the matchup.

Alabama offense vs LSU defense

Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa will not be 100%, but he’s still extremely dangerous with his accuracy and a fleet of NFL receivers. LSU will need to make him uncomfortable by generating pressure against a rock solid offensive line. Much has been said about LSU’s lack of a pass rush, but the defensive line has proven to be disruptive; the issue is finishing plays. Many near sacks have turned into QB’s scrambling for positive yardage. “Almost” won’t cut it against this offense. Plays will HAVE to be made when given the opportunity. Watch out for Tiger freshman OLB Marcel Brooks to make plays in the absence of Mike Divinity. Brooks’ athleticism jumps off the screen when watching him play, and he’s getting better with every rep. Alabama has at least 2 1st round receivers in polished Jerry Jeudy and speedy Henry Ruggs. Louisiana native Devonta Smith and return specialist Jaylen Waddle round out a quartet that Saban feels is the best group he’s ever had. These guys will make plays, but LSU must tackle well to prevent short plays from becoming chunk plays. I expect Dave Aranda to move Kristian Fulton to nickel for much of this game due to the depth of this receiving group. Najee Harris is Alabama’s leading rusher, and has all the physical tools to be great, but he’ll have to buy a red hat to be great against this LSU run defense. Tyler Shelvin has been unblockable, freeing up the ILB’s to make plays. The Tigers are giving up 97 yards per game, THIRTY yards less than Alabama. Overall, I give Alabama’s offense the advantage over any defense, but LSU has the personnel to slow them down.

LSU offense vs Alabama defense

Joe Burrow’s stats look remarkably similar to Tua’s, although Burrow has more yards and a higher completion percentage. No slight on Tua, but Burrow’s poise and confidence sets him apart. He never gets rattled. You never doubt that he’s getting up after a big hit. Burrow has everything you want in a QB and a lethal group of receivers to choose from. Much is made of the receivers, but TE Thad Moss is having a great year blocking and receiving. I expect him to continue the trend tomorrow. Bama has solid cornerbacks with Pat Surtain and Trevon Diggs, but nobody can stop LSU’s receivers this year. This was the lucky group to actually get opportunities after years of toss dives on 3rd and 7, and they are making the most of it. Up front, the Crimson Tide is still good, but Quinnen Williams is gone. Williams singlehandedly beat LSU last year, and it was embarrassing. Raekwon Davis is a force at DE, and WISNER, LA native Phidarian Mathis (shout out the hometown) and Byron Young are future pros…BUT, the offensive line is the most underrated unit on the LSU team, which leads me to an underrated player. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been as impressive as any back in the SEC. The first defender never tackles him, he never goes backwards, and he’s a skilled receiver out of the backfield. His quick feet and physical running style is ideal for matching up with the Alabama defense. I’m saying this not as an LSU fan, but as a football fan: LSU will successfully run the ball tomorrow. With two teams so evenly matched, time of possession will be critical. Once again, LSU’s offense has the advantage in this matchup.

Games like these are tough to predict. A single play can and will swing the momentum in one team’s way. Turnovers, missed kicks, and bad calls will happen. When they do, players have to remain poised and focused. That, along with a historic offense, is the difference this year. This group of Fighting Tigers are over the mental hurdle that awaits every year in November. They’re no longer hoping to win; they’re expecting to win. I don’t care where the game is played. The time is now! LSU BY 50!! But seriously, LSU wins 36-31, securing a spot in the CFB playoff. GEAUX TIGERS!!!