"Experts" Prediction Compilation for Bama-LSU

CFN - LSU 20 - Bama 16

quote:

---

LSU is just a bit better. There’s more of a swagger on defense, and there’s more of a physical style on offense. The Lee/Jefferson combination will be a little bit better than McCarron, and the LSU running back combo of Spencer Ware and Michael Ford will hold serve against the Bama 1-2 punch of Richardson and Eddie Lacy.

In the end, it’ll come down to whichever team controls the turnover margin. LSU is No. 2 in the nation behind Oklahoma State at a +1.88 per game, while Alabama is +0.75. Both teams are stingy with the ball, both teams are efficient, and both teams are physical. LSU is just a little bit better at all three

---

ESPN Scouts' Edge

Alabama's staff is a stronger game-planning group, so it would stand to reason that it gains an advantage from an extra week of preparation. However, LSU's Les Miles and his coordinators (Chavis and offensive coordinator Greg Studrawa) have done an underrated job of preparing their team this season and LSU is a proven commodity in big games on the road. Also consider that since 1970 the road team in this rivalry is 27-13-1, and while the home team has won the last two meetings, at no point in the history of this matchup has the home team won three straight.

Both teams are loaded with talent, but we think LSU has an edge in three key areas: perimeter offense, perimeter defense, and quarterback. Randle is the only true vertical threat in this game and his presence should help open up room for the rest of the offense. The Crimson Tide's lack of a true game-breaker at wide receiver will allow Chavis to man-up with Claiborne and Mathieu on the outside and consistently load up the box with eight and nine defenders versus Richardson and their run game. If Lee continues to limit his mistakes and manage the game at a high level -- specifically, getting his protections set and getting out of negative plays with good pre-snap reads -- the Tigers are strong enough in all other areas to top Alabama in its own backyard.

Prediction: Tigers 20, Crimson Tide 17

cool..

thx. salsa man..

I feel like I was ripped off haha. I started this thread on the Rant yesterday. LINK

Pat Forde, Yahoo!, Bama 14 - LSU 13

Gene Wojciechowski, ESPN, Bama 23 - LSU 20

Lars Anderson, SportsIllustrated.com, Bama 17 - LSU 14

Bodoglife.com, betting site, Bama -5

Collin Cowherd, SportsNation, Bama 23 - LSU 20

Pete Fiutak, CFN.com, LSU 20 - Bama 16

Bill King, Formerly host of Rivals Radio, now on 247sports.com, Bama 17 LSU 10

Scouts Inc, ESPN Insider, LSU 20 - Bama 17

Phil Steele, Bama 24 - LSU 6

Chad Gilbert, Out Kick the Coverage, LSU 21 - Bama 20

Steele changed his prediction to 17-6 Bama

LINK

CBS sports expert picks

Ralph Russo, AP college football writer ALABAMA 23-17.

I would bet the over on every single one of those lines.

David Pollack picks Bama

LINK

Dammit I hate this. I dont want any experts picking Bama. If lee corso puts on the elephant head Saturday morning ima start drinking heavily.

Tide Fans picks da Tigahs