ALABAMA @ LSU TIGERS
American Football : North America : NCAAF
BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Monday, January 9th, 2012, 8:30PM US
(1:30AM GMT)

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PREVIEW

LSU are perfect with a 13-0 record, having ended the season with a big win over Arkansas, although Arkansas led 14-0 in the 2nd half, before QB Jordan Jefferson led his LSU team to scoring 41 of the next 44 points, and the Tigers ended 41-17 winners.

Alabama ended the season 11-1, with the only loss coming against LSU. Keep in mind though, they got to play that game at home and lost 9-6 in OT.

This should be another defensive game, although with LSU riding a perfect streak and the game taking place in the Superdome down in New Orleans, this time Alabama are at a disadvantage.

Or are they? LSU opened as 1 point favs but are now 1 or 2 point dogs - depending on your sportsbook! Huh?

This does not make sense to me at all, even if Alabama's defence is rated better than LSU there is very little to choose between them as they are ranked #1 and #2 respectively. Both teams will be brutal defensively and you're likely to see many of these players in the NFL next year, so let's look at offence.

While Jefferson was suspended in the early part of the season, LSU used Jarrett Lee as QB but with Jefferson back this team is really clicking (Jefferson did not play against Alabama!)

Jefferson is likely to cause the Crimson Tide no small amount of stress, with the QB being a dual threat. He might not get the yardage that Trent Richardson will give the Tide when rushing the ball, but he is very dangerous, especially since he is the better passer, compared to AJ McCarron, no matter what the numbers say.

The real advantage LSU have here is special teams, as they have a great punter in Brad Wingo, who has such excellent hang time on his kicks LSU will likely always give Alabama a very big field to contend with on their drives. Sticking with special teams, there is a clear advantage with the kicker too, and that is how this game may well be decided again, remember the first game had no touchdowns!

LSU's Drew Alleman has made all 3 of his kicks from over 40 yards and is 16 for 18 on his FGs, while Alabama's Jeremy Shelley is 16 for 20 with his and is 0 for 2 from over 40 yards. His longest this season has been a mere 37 yards.

BETTING VERDICT

Defence all the way, and a bit of magic from Jefferson. Perhaps a missed FG somewhere too, but in the end, I see LSU give coach Miles his 2nd National Title to pull level with Nick Saban.

The Pick :

LSU Tigers to win

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take LSU Tigers to win @ 2.21 (Pinnacle)