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The matchup between Alabama and LSU has been the marquee matchup in college football for the last several years. This year is a little different since there have been a few surprise teams in the SEC that have been featured. Alabama is one of the top teams in the country, but LSU has struggled at times this year. The Tigers seem to be getting better as the season goes along. They were able to knock off Ole Miss at home and will now be looking to do the same to Alabama at home. NCAAF picks experts have the Crimson Tide as favorites in the game, but it's hard to bet against Les Miles and LSU when they play a night game at home.
One of the overlooked storylines of this game will be the fact that both teams are coming off of a bye week last week. Generally, the better-coached team would win a game in this situation, which would have to give the nod to Nick Saban. Saban coached at LSU before so he knows how rowdy the crowd will be at night for this one. Offensive Coordinator Lane Kiffin will have to have a gameplan that will quiet the crowd early in the game. The only problem with that is that Blake Sims has struggled on the road. No matter how good of a gameplan Alabama has in this one, they likely will struggle if Sims is not able to execute. The Tide appear to have the better team overall, but you can't discount the crazy and magical things that happen in Baton Rouge.
After looking mostly unimpressive early in the season, LSU seems to have found its identity in recent weeks. A stingy defense to go along with an improving running game has led them to upset victories. Freshman Leonard Fournette has been looking like an upperclassman the last few games with his powerful running attack. This game always comes down to which team wins in the trenches, so LSU will be relying on Fournette to have his best game of the season and keep the ball out of Sims' hands. If LSU is able to control the line of scrimmage and time of possession, they will have a legitimate shot at pulling off the upset.
Since Alabama is mostly expected to win the game, you can't help but think about what Les Miles is going to pull out of his back pocket to give his team a chance to win the game. This game has traditionally been close and low scoring and there's not much reason to believe that will change this year. Momentum swings usually do not happen in this game, but it does come down to one or two plays that define the game. If the game is within a touchdown in the fourth quarter, you have to give the edge to LSU to seal the deal at home. Points will be at a premium in this one, but TJ Yeldon will outperform Fournette to give Alabama the victory over their rivals.
Free NCAAF predictions against the spread:
Alabama 16
LSU 13
One of the overlooked storylines of this game will be the fact that both teams are coming off of a bye week last week. Generally, the better-coached team would win a game in this situation, which would have to give the nod to Nick Saban. Saban coached at LSU before so he knows how rowdy the crowd will be at night for this one. Offensive Coordinator Lane Kiffin will have to have a gameplan that will quiet the crowd early in the game. The only problem with that is that Blake Sims has struggled on the road. No matter how good of a gameplan Alabama has in this one, they likely will struggle if Sims is not able to execute. The Tide appear to have the better team overall, but you can't discount the crazy and magical things that happen in Baton Rouge.
After looking mostly unimpressive early in the season, LSU seems to have found its identity in recent weeks. A stingy defense to go along with an improving running game has led them to upset victories. Freshman Leonard Fournette has been looking like an upperclassman the last few games with his powerful running attack. This game always comes down to which team wins in the trenches, so LSU will be relying on Fournette to have his best game of the season and keep the ball out of Sims' hands. If LSU is able to control the line of scrimmage and time of possession, they will have a legitimate shot at pulling off the upset.
Since Alabama is mostly expected to win the game, you can't help but think about what Les Miles is going to pull out of his back pocket to give his team a chance to win the game. This game has traditionally been close and low scoring and there's not much reason to believe that will change this year. Momentum swings usually do not happen in this game, but it does come down to one or two plays that define the game. If the game is within a touchdown in the fourth quarter, you have to give the edge to LSU to seal the deal at home. Points will be at a premium in this one, but TJ Yeldon will outperform Fournette to give Alabama the victory over their rivals.
Free NCAAF predictions against the spread:
Alabama 16
LSU 13