Why do LSU fans feel so confident?

Going back to the Game of the Century in 2011, LSU has averaged just 249 total yards in their six games against Alabama.

In those same six contests, LSU has averaged just 2.63 yards/carry on the ground. Not one time in those six games did LSU even come close to 4 yards per carry. The highest yards/carry average that LSU achieved in those six games was in the Game of the Century in which they still averaged just 3.61 yards/run.

As for total yards, during the last six games between Bama and LSU, Alabama has outgained LSU in total yards by 107 yards per game on average. They've outgained LSU by 1.45 yards/play on average. Not one time out of the six did LSU average more yards per play than Bama.... Bama averaged .7 yards more per play or better every single time.

So here we are in 2016. As for the rankings heading into the game, this is the biggest gap between the two teams of any matchup since at least 2010. This is the lowest ranking LSU has carried into their game against Bama since at least 2010.

Using final year statistical rankings, in the last 5 losses to Alabama, LSU's offense had an average ranking of #65. This year, LSU is marginally better on offense with a ranking of #53. As for the defense, the average ranking the last 5 contests for LSU was #12. This year LSU comes in with a Total Defense rankings of #13.

Meanwhile, this Bama team statistically appears more sound than any faced by LSU in several years.

LSU's biggest issue on offense for the last forever has been quarterback play. Is Danny Etling the guy that will finally break the streak against Bama? He enters the game ranked just 9th in the league in Passing Yards/Game. He's 5th in the SEC in QB Rating and Completion Percentage. Will this be good enough to beat Bama?

LSU may surprise everyone. But I see no reason why this year's script will look any different from the past 5 contests. What... outside of inflated statistics against hapless Mizzou, Southern Miss, and Ole Miss... is making LSU so confident? Ole Miss and Mizzou currently rank #116 and #117 in Total Defense. Are we really basing our belief that LSU's offense has turned the corner on their ability to move the ball against two defenses that rank literally among the worst in all of college football?