I'll leave the professional analysis to guys like JessN, but I wanted to weigh in.
Alabama wins if... they play like Bama. Get out in front early and let the defense do their job. Alabama played catch up only against Ole Miss and let's face it, that defense isn't very good. Limit mistakes and don't let LSU get momentum early.
LSU can win if... they play in control. Emotion is needed, but it has to be limited. Don't get too high or too low. They also need to seize any opportunities that may be given to them. They have to keep the game within 7 points in the 4th. They have to make Hurts throw and limit his ground yardage. LSU's DBs are the strength of the defense and they will need to be on their game.
Favoring Alabama... they are just a better and experienced TEAM. Been there, been successful. The win streak adds pressure to LSU. Saban wants this game. I believe he values a win over LSU more than any other team.
Favoring LSU... Night game at TS. Yeah, Alabama won the last two in TS at night, but it's fair to say Alabama escaped with a win both times.
Misc - LSU is probably the only team that can come close to matching Alabama in talent 1-85. This game will feature a ton of future NFL players.
LSUgrad side of me says... The run game for Alabama will struggle. LSU and the crowd will force Hurts into some mistakes. LSU 20, Bama 17
BamaDad side says... Etling will have trouble finding any rythym. Although fournette isn't as limited as last year, he and Guice can't carry them against the Bama D. Bama 27, LSU 14 with Bama scoring a late TD after LSU fails to convert a 4th down late in their own territory.
Weird prediction... if LSU wins, Hurts will have less than 50% rushing v passing yards. For example, if he throws for 150, he won't rush for more than 75.
I'm hoping for a great game. Good luck and enjoy!
Alabama wins if... they play like Bama. Get out in front early and let the defense do their job. Alabama played catch up only against Ole Miss and let's face it, that defense isn't very good. Limit mistakes and don't let LSU get momentum early.
LSU can win if... they play in control. Emotion is needed, but it has to be limited. Don't get too high or too low. They also need to seize any opportunities that may be given to them. They have to keep the game within 7 points in the 4th. They have to make Hurts throw and limit his ground yardage. LSU's DBs are the strength of the defense and they will need to be on their game.
Favoring Alabama... they are just a better and experienced TEAM. Been there, been successful. The win streak adds pressure to LSU. Saban wants this game. I believe he values a win over LSU more than any other team.
Favoring LSU... Night game at TS. Yeah, Alabama won the last two in TS at night, but it's fair to say Alabama escaped with a win both times.
Misc - LSU is probably the only team that can come close to matching Alabama in talent 1-85. This game will feature a ton of future NFL players.
LSUgrad side of me says... The run game for Alabama will struggle. LSU and the crowd will force Hurts into some mistakes. LSU 20, Bama 17
BamaDad side says... Etling will have trouble finding any rythym. Although fournette isn't as limited as last year, he and Guice can't carry them against the Bama D. Bama 27, LSU 14 with Bama scoring a late TD after LSU fails to convert a 4th down late in their own territory.
Weird prediction... if LSU wins, Hurts will have less than 50% rushing v passing yards. For example, if he throws for 150, he won't rush for more than 75.
I'm hoping for a great game. Good luck and enjoy!