No. 1 LSU vs. No. 2 Alabama
Jan. 9, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
At New Orleans
In many ways, we consider the Crimson Tide the winner of the “Game of the Century” back on Nov. 5.
We fully respect the importance of the kicking game and the Tigers’ excellence in that area. Certainly that distinct advantage could naturally make the difference in this rematch.
However, close observers recognize that Alabama (11-1) was able to drive on LSU’s vaunted defense and maintained an upper hand for most of the closely contested matchup.
Trent Richardson finished with 192 all-purpose yards and A.J. McCarron completed 16-of-28 for 199 yards. Aside from McCarron’s interception late in the third quarter, the Tide will take those same numbers in a heartbeat.
Miscues and missed field goals resulted in very little on the scoreboard, but Alabama shouldn’t have to feel that it has to install too many new wrinkles to move the football. The Tide will be eager to grab this chance at redemption with both hands and finish a couple more drives.
To be fair, the defense for LSU (13-0) also will be out to prove its point after allowing 295 total yards to ‘Bama in that first meeting.
We can’t say enough about cornerbacks Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne, and the rest of the Tiger defense. But the Crimson Tide have defense of their own and they’ll keep LSU’s ground-heavy attack in check, forcing lots of third downs.
The last time the mythical national championship was decided by a rematch was following the 1996 season when Florida avenged a 24-21 regular-season loss with a resounding 52-20 victory in the Bowl Alliance’s No. 1 vs. No. 3 pairing in the Sugar Bowl.
Steve Spurrier’s Gators had the psychological advantage of seeking revenge back then, now it’s Nick Saban’s turn to flip the script on one of his former programs.
The anti-rematch movement likes to say it doesn’t want to see another 9-6 game. They won’t. We’ll have three touchdowns this time.
Opening point spread: LSU by 1
The pick: Alabama 17-16
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