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For LSU to shut down Bama's:

They must get off blocks and tackle in space. We're going to throw them ball short more than we are long. We'll attempt 3-4 50/50 balls, the rest is going to be 0-15 yards. If LSU can't get off blocks and have their secondary tackle in space then they'll give up some chunk plays here on RPOs. I've already touched on their blocking ability, the receivers love to block and do it well

LSU excels against quick passes. Our DBs are so quick, that the throws have to be very accurate. If not, they will knock the ball out of your hands. Texas A&M game last year is probably the best example of our D against a quick passing offense. I also worry that the Bama WRs will make a big play out of a short pass, so I think LSU will try to press alot. Either don't let them catch a ball, or if they do make sure they are tackled immediately... The tricky thing is that that scheme opens up the potential for Hurts to have a big run. If he can get past the first level, we will have alot of guys in the second level with their heads turned away from the QB and easy targets to block downfield if they are step for step with the WRs.... In summation, we need to play good press coverage (which I think is doable) and contain Hurts (which I think will be a little harder to do).

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For LSU to get it going against Bama:

50/50 balls. That's your best bet and Bama's biggest weakness. They cover fine, both of our corners are track guys, they just don't always find the football when they're on an island. The short stuff doesn't really work against Alabama, they all tackle well. The play action from under center...you're just not going to have enough time to do that much, our pass rush is that good. LSU needs to establish a run game enough to get a safety in the box, and throw a 50/50 9 route to that guy's side of the field. Bama is susceptible to backs running routes downfield as well, wheel routes particularly. Sneaking out and getting upfield works. Staying in front of our linebackers where they can read and react does not work

I don't think we will try too much quick stuff in the middle of the feild, too much room for error. We have had success with a few different routes against Bama in the past: 1)Deep balls: Less of the 50/50 balls (Malachi is our biggest target and he is a pussy going up for balls) and more of the perfectly timed in stride fade. 2) Quick out routes from the slot... I expect us to run alot of routes to Leonard and Guice out of the backfield (maybe even one right up the middle like we had against Ole Miss in 2014). I expect us to try some stuff to the TE (I literally can't even remember the last time we had a TE catch a ball against Bama. fricking Miles...). And I expect us to try that inside screen that we ran against Bama in 2012 to Spencer Ware, its a great play and we hit it for a big gain everytime we run it but we only run it like once a year.... We need big plays for sure, so expect us to try some of our big play plays.