It’s Crystal Ball Run’s first year in existence. There’s a one-versus-two match-up in the regular season. That happens about as often as Les Miles strings together a coherent sentence. (Seriously, check out this doozy.)
Coincidence? We here at CBR think not.
In the buildup to this weekend’s titanic clash between the Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers, we plan to give you copious preview coverage and analysis of the latest and greatest Game of the Century.
With that in mind, here are a few of the major storylines we’ve identified surrounding the game.
*Is A.J. McCarron Ready?
To date, Alabama hasn’t really asked much of sophomore quarterback A.J. McCarron. To his credit, McCarron has avoided mistakes and managed the ‘Bama offense capably. He’s second in the SEC in passer rating and sports a solid touchdowns-to-interception ratio of 10 to 3.
Managing the game won’t get the job done against a defense like the one the Crimson Tide will face versus LSU. At some point, McCarron will have to come through in a few third-and-long situations and beat the Tigers’ talented defensive backs to get points and keep drives alive.
*LSU’s Quarterback Quandary
Rarely does a game of this magnitude feature such little star power behind center. Whereas the Tide are working with somewhat of a wildcard at QB, LSU has two known quantities. And what’s known in this case is that both Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson have notable limitations.
Lee has performed admirably this year as LSU’s primary signal caller. He’s actually ahead of McCarron in passer rating and has avoided the turnovers that have plagued him in the past. However, it’s tough to shake the memories of some of his past implosions.
Jefferson is a better fit in LSU’s power option game and provides more of a threat with his feet than Lee. He doesn’t sling it quite as wel, though, and it’s fair to wonder if he has been fully integrated back into the offense following his early-season suspension.
*Tough Enough
Even though they get the job done in different ways, the defining feature of both teams’ identities is physical, smash-mouth football. It will be strength on strength all game long, nowhere more so than in trenches.
It may sound tired, but neither team can afford to give up ground up front. If either side demonstrates a clear advantage along the lines, that will be your winner.
*Can Tuscaloosa Turn The Tide?
Most who have watched these teams play would rate this match-up about as even as they come. Vegas, on the other hand, has established ‘Bama as a favorite by roughly 5 points.
The fact that this game is being played at Bryant-Denney Stadium clearly plays into the oddsmakers’ thinking. But will the Tide partisans really give the Tigers that much trouble?
*WWLD?
What will Les do?
Time and again, the Mad Hatter has reminded us that he loves to inject a little chaos into a big game like this – daring fourth down attempts, bizarre fake punts, questionable clock management. Miles may come off as more bravado than brains, but you can’t deny that his “unconventional” style has probably helped the Bayou Bengals win more games than it has hurt them in the past.
Miles undoubtedly has something wild in store for the Tide.
