LSU Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Game Preview and Predictions
Written by Matthew Regaw
Wed, 2 Nov 2011
Category sportsbook
Feedback Rating - no votes
The college football schedule for week 10 has arguably the best game of the year when the LSU Tigers will play the Alabama Crimson Tide. This game features two of the best teams in the country and the current No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the BCS college football rankings.
LSU vs. Alabama is the Game Of the Year
The game will be played at Alabama, which is why the college football odds for week 10 opened with the Tide as six point favorites. This line seemed a bit steep and has since been bet down to 4.5 in some offshore sportsbooks. The public consensus is nearly split in this contest with Alabama grabbing just 52% of the early betting money.
Nick Saban will have his team ready for the arrival of the Tigers. A.J. McCarron is the field general and has played flawless football of late. That is easier to do when running back Trent Richardson is in the backfield. Richardson is compiling some big games and will be in the running for the Heisman Trophy at the end of the season. However, make no mistake about it, the Crimson Tide is all about defense.
The Tide defense is one of the best in the country and head coach Les Miles, will have to make sure his team is ready if they are to have a chance to win. Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson will be under the center as the Tigers use a dual quarterback system. This gives the Tigers flexibility in this game and will make things hard on the Tide defense, as they need to prepare for both QBs. The Tigers have a sturdy backfield as well.
Spencer Ware and Michael Ford are two dangerous backs that can break the big play at any given moment. They will have to go between the tackles to search for yardage against a tough defense. LSU also has an NFL-caliber defense. Tyrann Mathieu the "Honey Badger" patrols the secondary and will need to be on top of this game to shut down the pass and assist on the run defense.
The sports betting trends are excellent for both teams, but there are some that are more prudent in this big game. The Tigers are 5-1-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last seven meetings in Alabama and the road team is 11-3-1 ATS in their last 15 meetings.
The Tigers are 5-0 ATS when playing a team with a winning record, 4-1 ATS in their last five conference games, and 5-2 ATS in their last seven road games. The Tigers will be ready for this game. They have played a very difficult and demanding schedule to include several crucial games against ranked opponents on the road.
This game will be one of the most anticipated of the year and it will not disappoint. It will come down to the wire and points will be at a premium. Take LSU and Les Miles, as they will come very close to getting the outright upset.
College Football Picks Week 10: LSU Tigers +5