I was on LSU for the first game and felt good about it the whole time until the game started going. I thought Bamas O line was better than LSUs D line and I thought on the other side LSUs O line and Bamas D line where equal. IMO Saban got a little conservative once he was in kicking distance thinking it was the safe play. I think that changes in this game and Bama gets a TD or two which will be the difference. LSU did nothing on offense that would lead me to believe this game will any different. The noise factor will not favor one team over the other enough to give them a homefield advantage.(I think LSU will have more fans but not enough to make it a big difference) Bama fans will buy enough tickets and will be heard.
I was the opposite. I pl ayed LSU ML late, but only as a homer. I would have played Bama in that spot were LSU not involved in the game.
I find home field gives OL a big advantage, so I do expect better production from LSU OL this game. Also, the LSU Ol is in better synch since the Bama game having gotten back into their flow with Jefferson at the helm. LSU plays a different style of offense with Lee. Jefferson took over as the starter the game following Bama. until then, Jefferson was a situational QB, so rep time for the OL had been low to that point.
As for Saban getting conservative in scoring position, I am not so sure. I am pretty sure Bama did not enter the red zone at all that game. I recall that Saban reached into his bag of tricks twice inside the 30. Once on the intercepted WR pass and another on a slow-developing sweep or end-around which was stuffed for a loss of 4 or so. Another time inside the 30 McCarron was sacked for a big loss on 3rd down leading to a long FG attempt. It's all kind of hazy, though. I was drinking heavily watching with a group of 75+ at a beer garden.
Regardless, Bama has to feel the sting of public backlash. Meanwhile, LSU has been on the award circuit and soaking up the glory. Clear emotional edge to bama unless loss of the OC presents a distraction.
The funny part is Bama has at least 2 claimed titles that involve them going undefeated in the regular season and losing a bowl game. By that measure, LSU doesn't need to show up:mj07:
