Bama: How to Beat LSU

Everybody knows about the big game this week and ESPN is doing there dead-level best to over-hype the game.

And everybody has their take on what each team must do to win.  Me too.  Here’s what I think Bama has to do to win:

** Don’t turn the ball over.  Yes, it’s a cliche, but in this case it’s very true.  LSU is +15 in turnovers – 18 takeaways and three turnovers – and they make sure to make you pay if you give the ball up.  Just ask the Oregon Ducks.  Alabama doesn’t just need to win the turnover battle, they need to avoid their own turnovers altogether and take a couple from the Tigers.

** Don’t allow the “big” play.  The Tide’s defensive statistics are stellar and all, but that didn’t stop Florida and Ole Miss from hitting big plays their first drives.  I would bet dollars to doughnuts that the Tigers take a deep shot on their first drive.  They’ll also take a few more tries.  Simply put, if the Tide can keep LSU from converting on these big throws, it’ll make the game much harder for the Tigers.

** Get the LSU offense off the field. Take a look at the second half of the LSU – Tennessee game.  Each team had three possessions.  LSU scored three touchdowns and sustained drives and the Vols got zilch.  Game over.  Obviously the Tide defense is much better than the Vols’ version, but getting the LSU O off the field is a big deal nonetheless.

** Create some doubt.  Neither team has been severely tested this year and to each team’s credit, they’ve disposed of all comers.  The Tide has had a wee bit of adversity after finding themselves behind versus Penn State, Florida, Ole Miss and Tennessee.  LSU hasn’t played from behind for very long this season.  So what happens if the Tide somehow forces a couple of three-and-outs or perhaps lights Jarrett Lee up a couple of times?  Or what happens is somehow the Tide manages to stay within a touchdown or two heading into the fourth quarter?  Will the psychology of a quarterback battle show its head perhaps?  Or perhaps we’ll see a little of LSU’s clock management strategy.  Who knows?  But I am interested to see how LSU reacts under a little pressure.

** Hand AJ the ball and let’s see what he can do.  Most Alabama fans are concerned about how AJ McCarron will fare versus the LSU defense.  Specifically, we worry that he’ll become a turnover machine.  Maybe so.  Maybe so.  But you can bet LSU is game planning to stop Trent Richardson and force AJ to win the game.  I say that if Oregon can pass for 24o and if West Virginia can go for  463, we ought to be able to throw for a few as well.  If AJ can pass the ball for 200+, without turning the ball over, and take some pressure off the running game and Trent, I like our chances.

Off all these things, though, turnovers are the key.  LSU didn’t shut Oregon and West Virginia down offensively.  Those teams turned the ball over and absolutely killed their chances of winning.  LSU has feasted on turnovers this year.  If we can shut down the feast, I like our chances.