Inside the Numbers: LSU-Alabama

The team that ran the ball with power and speed wore Crimson.

At this point, LSU had exactly one first down and 39 yards of offense, including just two net yards rushing on seven carries, while Alabama had 10 first downs and 178 yards. But the way in which this one played out before 101,821 chilled fans will cause every Heisman voter to question beliefs formed over the first nine weeks of the season. The game also includes two of the nation’s top tailbacks, LSU’sLEONARD FOURNETTE and Alabama’s DERRICK HENRY going against two of the best run defenses. When asked to expand upon that, Saban seemed nonplussed. I don’t think we’re gonna allow ourselves to even let him do that. “It was that kind of game for (the line) to make the plays”.

The atmosphere promises to be electric and it will be whichever team handles that best.

The inexorable truth about a good running team is that by the fourth quarter, time and weariness makes the defense a step slower. Alabama’s other running back, Kenyan Drake, finished with 68 yards on 10 carries. Henry has 1,044 rushing yards and 14 TDs.

Heisman Trophy contender Leonard Fournette did not get much of an opportunity to flash his talent throughout the game.

Florida’s Kelvin Taylor’s first two runs each went for four-yard gains. The more he starts on the field the more confidence hes shown in the locker room and I think a lot of guys are picking up on that.

Duke (+8) over NORTH CAROLINA; INDIANA (+7) over Iowa; Cincinnati (+8½) over HOUSTON; OKLAHOMA STATE (+5) over Tcu; Florida State (+11½) over CLEMSON; Lsu (+6½) over ALABAMA; PITTSBURGH (+8½) over Notre Dame. It’s hard to stop a guy like that. I get it, but hear me out.

As odd as it sounds, Fournette might not be the most important player in the game. But LSU-Alabama has become the marquee game on the college football calendar. I’m not putting it all on the offensive line either.

“I’m trying to help my offense, you know what I’m saying?”

Simply put, he’s one of the most valuable players in college football in 2015.

The LSU Tigers (7-0) are coming from a bye after beating Western Kentucky, 48-20, in Week 8. He has scored 15 touchdowns. Alabama does have one of the league’s better punters in JK Scott. Then Saban called timeout. So, I think thats what Brandons doing.

Alabama kicker Adam Griffith hit a 22-yard FG.

Quarterback Brandon Harris has not thrown an interception and the Tigers average 466 yards per game. At the end of No. 4 Bama’s 30-16 stomping of LSU, it was one hell of a summary. “We’ve just got to do a good job of executing all the way around when it comes to special teams and try to win that part of the game”, Alabama coach Nick Saban said. He wondered if the Tigers may have not been prepared for such a hostile crowd.

WR, Malachi Dupree (LSU): This talented receiver took all five official visits in a two week period, including visits to LSU and Alabama in a three-day period.

The semi-annual SEC gladiatorial contest takes place at an interesting time, with Alabama somehow in the CFP rankings ahead of five unbeaten teams, despite losing to a not-that-great Memphis squad at home, and LSU looking for a serious statement win to prove that they’re the real deal.

“I always have liked the grit of this team”.

“Our seniors want it”, said Fournette, who came up with the BUGA team-oriented acronym for “Being United Generates Attitude” while in high school. “Hopefully we can continue to persevere”.