LSU at Alabama- Prospects to Watch and Who Will Win

As you know I have been recomedning three games every week for fans to watch along with one defensive and offensive prospect to track during each game.  This week however I am going to make a slight change and focus on the one game that matters most- number one ranked LSU at number two ranked Alabama.  The outcome of Saturday’s tilt between the Crimson Tide and the Tigers will have a major impact on who will play for the National Champion in January.  Both of these teams are recognized as the best in the country, but by Sunday morning one of them will have a loss on their schedule and a defeat would most likely prevent that team from having a chance to play in the title game.

This game has everything you look for in a classic matchup.  Two outstanding programs, lead by two of the countries most well recognzied coaches, as well as a number of prospects that will be highly touted in both the 2012 and 2013 NFL Draft’s.  Today I am going to break down who I think has the advantage in the game, some of the prospects you should keep your eye on and who I think will win and why.

LSU (1) @ Alabama (2) -4.5–8:00pm- Saturday

LSU’s Top Prospect’s for the 2012 NFL Draft

Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, 6-0, 185, junior (Projected- top 15 pick)

Reuben Randle, Wide Receiver, 6-3, 208, junior (Projected- round 4)

Alex Hurst, Offensive Tackle, 6-6, 340, junior (Projected- round 4)

*2013 NFL Draft Prospect*

Tyrann Mathieu, Cornerback, 5-9, 178, sophomore (Projected- round 1)

Alabama’s Top Prospect’s for the 2012 NFL Draft

Trent Richardson, Running Back, 5-11, 224, junior (Projected- top 10 pick)

Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, 6-2, 192, junior (Projected- top 15 pick)

DJ Fluker, Offensive Tackle, 6-6, 335, rSophmore (Projected- top 15 pick)

Dont’a Hightower, Inside Linebacker, 6-4, 260, junior (Projected- round 1)

Courtney Upshaw, Outside Linebacker, 6-2, 268, senior (Projected- round 2)

Mark Barron, Strong Safety, 6-2, 218, senior (Projected- round 2)

Robert Lester, Free Safety, 6-2, 210, junior (Projected- round 3)

*2013 NFL Draft Prospect*

CJ Mosely, Outside Linebacker, 6-2, 235, sophomore (Projected- round 1)

It is pretty clear that Alabama has more highly touted prospects on both sides of the ball than LSU.  However, Les Miles has done a tremendous job of getting his players to buy into an uptempo system and play together as a cohesive unit.  Both teams have tremendous defense’s; not only the best in the country this year, but they could very well be the two best in quite a number of years.  I do like Alabama on offense because they can pound the ball with running back Trent Richardson.  Richardson could prove to be the difference in the game because LSU does not have a player on their offense who can match his abilities.  If Richardson can wear down the LSU’s defense Alabama should be able to take control.  In order for LSU to win I think they will need to stop Richardson early and force Alabama to throw the ball.  Also, if the Tigers can make plays on special teams- especially in the return game with Morris Claiborne- it could prove to be a major difference.  However, if they fail to do either of these I do not forsee having LSU having any chance to win the game.  Alabama is just to potent on both sides of the ball; combine that with their homefield advantage and their superior coaching of Nick Saban over Les Miles, I think the Tide will have a number one in the bracket next to their name on Monday.

Final Prediction: Alabama 24 LSU 13

*This kid should have bragging rights come Monday*