LSU vs Alabama 2011 College Football Predictions Week 10: It's being billed as "The Game of the Century." Of course we're talking about Saturday's 8 p.m. ET (CBS) matchup at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama between the top two ranked college football teams in the BCS; No. 1 LSU Tigers and No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide. In many respects, both teams are similar. Each is undefeated through eight games and both coaches, Nick Saban and Les Miles, emphasize defense before offense. It's difficult to find a clear betting edge on either team, but oddsmakers on the BetOnline.com offshore board list the Crimson Tide as 5-point College Football Odds favorites with a combined scoring total (over/under) of 41. The price of a wager that Alabama wins SU is -190 ($190 bet to win $100) while LSU backers are getting +165 ($100 bet to win $165).
Alabama is currently leading the SEC in total offense and total defense as well as scoring offense and scoring defense. The Crimson Tide averages 457.6 yards per game, while limiting opponents to 180.5 yards per outing. Additionally, Alabama scores nearly 40 points per game at 39.4, and at the same time, holds teams to a league, and nation, low of 6.9 points per game.
LSU brings one of the top defenses in the nation into the Alabama game as the Tigers are ranked in the top 10 nationally in four major categories – scoring defense (3rd at 11.5), rush defense (3rd at 76.6), pass efficiency defense (5th with 96.48 rating), and total defense (4th at 251.4).
LSU came away a 24-21 winner in last years game at Death Valley. DeAngelo Peterson ran 23 yards with a reverse on fourth-and-one to set up Stevan Ridley’s go-ahead one-yard fourth-quarter touchdown. Alabama, which led 7-3 at halftime, lost for just the second time in 23 games. Crimson Tide senior quarterback Greg McElroy finished the game 21-of-34 for 223 yards and two touchdowns while junior Mark Ingram ran the ball 21 times for 97 yards and a touchdown. LSU led the game in total offense 433-325.
Alabama has won its last nine games by 16 or more points dating back to last season’s Capital One Bowl victory over Michigan State.
Game-Day prediction: Alabama is my pick to win the BCS championship for this 2011-12 season. For that to happen the Crimson Tide must take care of business on its home field. However, giving 5-points to the No. 1 ranked team in the nation is too much for my comfort. This game might be decided by a field goal. My Pick – LSU +5.
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