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By B.J. Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor B.J. Bennett previews the Southern Pigskin Game of the Week between Alabama and LSU. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin.
Game of the Week: LSU at Alabama
Why to Watch - This is the SEC West Championship Game, the semifinal from the left side of the bracket to meet Florida in the final. For as much as people have chalked up the division to the Crimson Tide, a win by LSU would give both teams one loss with the Tigers earning the head-to-head tiebreaker. Whether or not people understand the significance of this game is irrelevant; this meeting has SEC and national championship implications. Anytime two top ten SEC teams meet, much less in one of college football's cathedrals, it's must watch TV.
Overview - The Crimson Tide enter this game having allowed 19 points, one touchdown, in their last three games. The numbers are amazing. There isn't a better defense in college football. Despite struggling for much of the season, the LSU offense has found its’ groove the last two weeks. Against Auburn and Tulane, the Tigers combined for 73 points in two victories. Quarterback Jordan Jefferson has four touchdowns and one interception during that span. A game pairing two physical teams, this meeting will be decided at the line of scrimmage.
Keys for Alabama
1. Attack Jordan Jefferson - Jefferson quietly does a good job managing the LSU offense and avoiding mistakes as the catalyst for the Tigers efficient brand of football. He has thrown 11 touchdown passes and just four interceptions and hasn't thrown more than one interception in a single game this season. In LSU's lone loss, a 13-3 loss to Florida, the Gators forced Jefferson out of his comfort zone and into rushed decisions. He finished with less than 100 yards passing, no touchdowns and one interception. The Crimson Tide need a similar effort from their defense. As the aggressor, Alabama needs to blitz Jefferson from various spots on the field and keep him confused via various looks from their 3-4 defensive alignment. Even at the risk of freeing up potential opportunities downfield, the Crimson Tide need to attempt to shorten the field by rushing Jefferson and therefore limiting the route options of his wide receivers. LSU's game is one of ball control and taking care of the football. They have the fewest turnovers in the SEC. If the Tide can force their gameplan on the Tigers, mistakes could be the ultimate result. Watch All-American linebacker Rolando McClain, as he is the leader of the 'Bama defense. If he has a big afternoon, it will likely mean Jefferson is having a long one.
2. Get McElroy in Rhythm - The Crimson Tide offense struggled against Tennessee and the inability of the passing attack to get the football downfield was part of the problem. McElroy has had a good year replacing veteran John Parker Wilson, but Alabama needs more than 120 yards passing like he had versus the Volunteers. Mark Ingram is super talented and will get his yards, but LSU is only allowing 3.2 yards per carry and has surrendered just three rushing touchdowns all season. Their defensive vulnerabilities are in the defensive backfield. Just to keep the defense honest and free up the line of scrimmage, Alabama needs to complete some passes downfield. Easy completions early could help McElroy build the confidence needed to make big throws later in the game. The Tigers rank last in the SEC in sacks, so McElroy should have time to throw.
3. Don't Play Like the West is Won - College football is a game so predicated on emotion and mental intensity. Everyone in the media has penciled Alabama and Florida in for the SEC Championship Game. While the Gators look like a lock, the Crimson Tide are one game away from looking up at LSU in the division standings. While many aren't giving the Tigers a chance, LSU is coming to Tuscaloosa to win and they view this game as an opportunity to prove the naysayers and doubters wrong. Alabama will need to match the enthusiasm and focus of a Tiger team entering this Saturday feeling disrespected and underrated. A win by Alabama clinches them a berth in the SEC Championship Game. The Crimson Tide have to win first, however.
Keys for LSU
1. Minimize Mistakes - There's something to be said for the way LSU has won football games this season; manage games offensively, avoid errors and play sound, disciplined defense. The Tigers have lost the fewest turnovers in the SEC, just seven, including just three fumbles for the entire season. LSU has also been one of the least penalized teams in college football. If the Tigers can stick to that mantra, they will likely keep themselves in the football game against Alabama. Against a very aggressive defense, quarterback Jordan Jefferson will need to stay collected and avoid poor decisions. In a loud, hostile environment, limiting the mental errors will also be crucial.
2. Success on First and Second Downs - Against an Alabama defense that has virtually no weaknesses, LSU won't consistently be able to overcome third down and long situations. The Tigers rank second in the SEC, converting 42% of their third downs. The key there has been consistently gaining positive yardage on the opening downs of drives. Against Florida, LSU's worst offensive showing of the season and lone loss in 2009, the Tigers were just one of nine on third downs. A similar effort will result in similar offensive production against the Crimson Tide. LSU doesn't need numerous big plays, as this will likely be a game where both teams score under 24 points. But this offense won't be able to put much on the scoreboard without gaining 3-4 yards on average on the early downs. Mix the plays so that the offense is unpredictable; draws, screens, slants, isolations, flat passes, ect. This offense can keep Alabama on its toes by varying the play calling. Third down and long situations not only go against LSU’s strength, they also play into Alabama’s. If the pass rushers can pin their ears back with no concern of a potential run play, the state will be set for turnovers and mistakes.
3. Win the Field Position Battle - Alabama is excellent on special teams. If LSU loses the special teams fight, they will likely lose the football game. Field position is going to be absolutely crucial in a game of this style. With two defensive-minded football teams playing in a game where they likely won't be many big plays, the kicking, punting and return games will be vital. The Tigers cannot allow Crimson Tide return man Javier Arenas to get loose. He is one of the premier return men in SEC history and could completely sway momentum, especially in front of a rowdy home crowd, with a big return. LSU has done a great job with kick and punt coverage this season and that must continue. If speedster Trindon Holliday could break free for a big return or two, that would greatly help an offense facing a daunting task. While LSU has had great success in the punt return game, they rank 117th in the nation in kickoff returns.
Position Advantages
Quarterback; LSU – Both signal callers are very talented players, but Jordan Jefferson may be playing with a little more confidence than Greg McElroy at this point. McElory's production has dipped some from the beginning of the year. Each quarterback is capable of making big plays, but may be more comfortable as a game manager. 
Running back; Alabama – Mark Ingram is one of the Heisman frontrunners and could become Alabama’s first player ever to win the coveted trophy. He is an absolute workhorse. Numbers-wide Charles Scott has had a slightly disappointing season, but is a very talented runner.
Wide receiver; LSU – Perhaps you give a slight nod to the Tigers here as both Terrance Tolliver and Brandon LaFell are having big seasons. Julio Jones hasn’t had near the impact he had a year ago, but remains a big-play threat.
Offensive line; Alabama – The Crimson Tide front five has done a tremendous job opening up rushing lanes for Mark Ingram and the Alabama tailbacks. LSU is big and talented, as always. Both offensive lines have been effective this season.
Defensive line; Alabama – Terrence Cody is everybody’s All-American at the nose guard position in Alabama’s 3-4 defensive scheme. He sets the tone for the entire Crimson Tide defense. It’s been an atypical year for LSU as the Tigers rank last in the SEC in sacks.
Linebackers; Alabama – There may not be a better linebacker in college football than Rolando McClain. He is not only fundamentally sound and reliable, but also a proven playmaker who forces turnovers with great regularity. LSU has some veterans, but no real standouts.
Defensive backs; Alabama – Alabama has solid cover corners in Javier Arenas and Kareem Jackson. The duo has done a very good job all season long. LSU has a future All-American in safety Chad Jones.
Special Teams; Alabama – With Leigh Tiffin, P.J. Fitzgerald and Javier Arenas, the Crimson Tide have great specialists. Alabama’s success on special teams isn’t talked about enough. LSU has an exciting return man in Trindon Holliday.
Coaching; Alabama – Both of these head coaches have won national championships, but it’s hard to go against a coaching staff that hasn’t lost a regular season game in two years. Nick Saban has the Crimson Tide playing extraordinarily well.
Intangibles; LSU – The Tigers are heavy underdogs and not many people think they can win. That’s a major motivational factor. At least from an external perspective away from the football program, everyone is talking about Alabama in terms of how they match up against Florida. A slighted team can be a dangerous one.
Players to Watch
Alabama; Rolando McClain, LB – The big play defender for the Crimson Tide, his performance will be critical as Alabama looks to force the LSU offense out of their comfort zone. McClain can blitz, chase down fleeing runners and stay with backs in coverage. He is a complete linebacker and the defensive leader for Alabama.
LSU; Jordan Jefferson, QB - If the Tigers are going to pull off the upset, they will need a mistake-free, consistent effort from Jefferson. A talented athlete, he has done an under-appreciated job under center for LSU this season. His play will be key as the Tigers try to shock the SEC on Saturday.
Predictions
Rodney Atkins, Country Music Star – LSU
B.J. Bennett, Senior Editor – Alabama
J.T. Bennett, Staff Writer – Alabama
Charlie K., National Columnist – Alabama
Kevin Thomas, Staff Writer – Alabama
Brian Turner, Columnist – LSU
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