It’s deja vu all over again when LSU and Alabama go head-to-head in the 2012 BCS National Championship game. The Tigers and Crimson Tide faced each other on November 5th and it took an overtime to decide a winner. LSU pulled out a 9-6 victory thanks to their defense and four missed field goals by Alabama.
The loss to LSU was the only loss this season for Alabama. The Crimson Tide went 7-1 in the SEC and 11-1 overall. LSU was perfect this season going 13-0. The Tigers beat 8 ranked teams this season and are coming off a decisive 42-10 victory over Georgia in the SEC title game. The question is, can LSU beat Alabama twice in one season?
When LSU is on Offense
The LSU defense gets a lot of recognition, but you can’t overlook the effectiveness of their offense. The Tigers rank 12th in the nation in scoring at 38.5 points per game. LSU loves to run the football and they are very good at it. They averaged 215.2 yards on the ground this season and only 160.2 through the air. The Tigers have a ton of depth at running back with Michael Ford (755 yards), Spencer Ware (700), Alfred Blue (539), and Kenny Hilliard (320) getting carries. Those four running backs averaged a combined 5.4 yards per carry this season.
Alabama’s defense was the best in the country this year giving up only 8.8 points per game. The Crimson Tide have done an excellent job stopping the run this year including the first game against LSU. Alabama held the LSU rushing attack in check and only allowed 3.6 yards per rush in the first meeting. Alabama had 26 sacks and 12 interceptions as a team.
The Crimson Tide were 16th in the nation in scoring at 36.0 points per game. Alabama had a potent rushing attack as well this season with 219.8 yards per game on the ground. Running back Trent Richardson was outstanding for Alabama with 1583 yards and 20 touchdowns. Richardson was second on the team in receiving with 27 catches and 327 yards. Backup Eddie Lacey was also effective running the ball this year averaging 7.5 yards per carry with a total of 631 yards rushing.
The LSU Tigers’ defense was 2nd in the nation giving up only 10.5 points per game this year. LSU did a great job of rushing the passer this season with 37 sacks in 13 games. The Tigers have a lot of speed on defense especially in the secondary. LSU had 18 interceptions as a team, 6 of them by corner Morris Claiborne.
2012 BCS National Championship Pick Against the Spread
Oddsmakers currently have Alabama as a 1-point favorite over LSU. The Tigers and Crimson Tide match up extremely well against each other. I think the big difference maker in this game is going to be Alabama running back Trent Richardson. He is the best player on the field and Alabama will make sure to get him the ball in the running and passing game. In the first meeting between these two teams Richardson had 89 yards rushing and 80 yards receiving. Look for a big game from Richardson in this one. I’ll take Alabama to win and cover the 1-point.
