It what is being billed the "Game of the Century," the BCS' top two teams are set for action. No. 1 LSU travels to No. 2 Alabama and the game is scheduled for an 8:05 p.m. kickoff. It will be televised nationally on CBS. The Crimson Tide are favored to win by 5 points with the total set at 41.5 for this contest. The game is obviously being talked about as a national championship type scenario as the two squads are atop every poll in college football. Both teams enter with a season record of 8-0 and are currently 5-0 in SEC action. Therefore, the winner of this game will obviously have a huge leg up in both the SEC title race and the national championship race. CBS originallyy scheduled this game for a 3:30 kickoff but was basically forced to move it to primetime. Had they not they would have lost serious advertising dollars.
Free Analysis: No team other than possibly Oklahoma State has had the type of season these two squads have had. Both have been dominant on both sides of the football and are clearly the best two teams in the country. The BCS doesn't like, or want, rematch scenarios in their title game but depending on the outcome of this one, the public and computer might demand a second look. Some interesting stats — both teams enter the game averaging more than 39 points per game. LSU gives up 11 points on average this season and hasn't given up more than 12 points in a game in over a month. Alabama is also a stingy defense this year allowing an amazing 7 points per game. Only three teams (Penn State, Arkansas and Florida) have scored double digits against Alabama this season. LSU's a bit more battle tested having beaten No. 3 Oregon to start the season and road games at West Virginia, Mississippi State and Tennessee. The Tigers use two quarterbacks in Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson and it seems to be able to work for them. This Alabama team is easily going to be the most physical team LSU sees all season. The Mad Hatter Les Miles is known for doing crazy stuff in these types of games while Nick Saban just WINS these types of games. I'm expecting a huge slugfest that's probably not going to have the amount of scoring most people think is going to happen. Each defense is fast, flows to the ball well and doesn't get beat. Neither team turns the football over and both are effective offensively. It's hard to believe there is so much riding on this game and they really only are kids. But, in the end, the more disciplined team is going to come out on top. I think there is an advantage for Alabama in this game being at home, but LSU is battle tested this year and I think they are the more balanced team. Alabama is an incredibly balanced offense that likes to pound the rock with Trent Richardson. If they are able to dictate the style of play early, it could put them in a great position.
Free Pick: There's no way I lay 5 points with Alabama in this game. Give me all five of those points with the better football team in my opinion. I'm expecting a slug it out, low scoring type of game where both defense dominate the game. Obviously both teams can score the football, each averaging more than 34 points per game. We also know both defense are dominant, as they are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 respectively. In the Super Showdown the points seem way too big here. LSU is the better team, with a more battle tested team, even though they are going into a hostile environment. LSU 17, Alabama 13