Much At Stake As No.3 Alabama Faces No. 9 LSU

Sports News - November 5th, 2009 - Written by Scott

A huge game in the SEC West between No. 3 Alabama and No. 9 LSU is set to take place on Saturday. There is much at stake for both of these schools as they are both in contention for a shot at the SEC title game. More importantly for the Crimson Tide (8-0, 5-0) a loss will most likely put them out of a national title shot. Should LSU win, they will be tied for first in the West with Alabama. Alabama is coming off their bye week after squeaking by Tennessee two weeks ago 12-10. LSU (7-1, 4-1) routed Tulane last week 42-0. The Tigers will look to avenge their 27-21 loss to Alabama last year. A win by the Crimson Tide puts them in the SEC title game.

Alabama continues to win games by controlling the time of possession with their running game led by Mark Ingram. As a team, they are rushing for 217 yards per game and Ingram has 1,004 yards and 8 touchdowns this season. Quarterback Greg McElroy has been consistent and has passed for 1,445 yards and 9 touchdowns with just 3 interceptions. Marquis Maze, Julio Jones, and Colin Peek have emerged as McElroy's favorite targets at receiver and have combined for 722 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Crimson Tide have not been explosive offensively this year, but have performed well enough to keep them undefeated.

Defensively for Alabama, they have been smothering their opponents' offenses all season. They have only allowed one team this season to reach 70 yards on the ground. In addition, they have only allowed their opponents to reach the red zone 14 times this year and only 5 resulted in a touchdown.

The LSU offense needs the same type of effort running the ball as they did last week against Tulane to keep the pressure off sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson. Running back Charles Scott reached the 100 yard mark for the first time last week and has 459 yards and 4 touchdowns on the year. Jefferson has thrown for 1,421 yards and 4 touchdowns. He has two of the best receivers in the SEC to throw to in Terrance Toliver and Brandon LaFell. They have combined 979 yards and 11 touchdowns this year. However, the key on Saturday for the Tigers will be establishing their running game.

The Tigers defense has been strong this year. They will need to stop Alabama's rushing attack and put the game in McElroy's hands in order to be successful on Saturday.

Alabama will be favored by 7 1/2 against LSU according to BetUS sportsbook. The over/under is set at 30. Alabama will need a win to keep their national title hopes alive and stay near the to of the NCAA College Football Standings.

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