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Big game finally here
What do you mean rematch? Hey, it's been a year since they last played. Well, it seems that way anyway.
LSU and Alabama meet again after their Nov. 5 Game of the Century which the Tigers won 9-6.
So for all you folks who think having a playoff system takes away from the regular season, what does the fact that two teams playing for a national championship played during the regular season mean? And, as far as that reasoning goes, how bad do you think the Saints would love to have a do-over against the St. Louis Rams? That game was the difference in the Saints having an open week and playing the first week of the playoffs.
But getting back to the game. How many sequels are better than the first movie? OK, Sherlock Holmes for one, but generally they are hard to improve on.
But I thought Rocky II and III (I'll stop there), all the Star Wars, most of the Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, Spiderman, Batman and Toy Story's were entertaining.
I really think this game is going to be better. The first game was like the first five rounds of a heavyweight fight where the fighters are more or less being cautious and still trying to feel their way.
I look for both teams to be more aggressive on offense.
While I see it as another close one, it would also not surprise me to see one of the teams score a couple of quick touchdowns and hold that lead throughout the contest.
As for LSU, I believe the key is shutting down the quick pass to Trent Richardson out of the backfield. That was wide open on numerous occasions in their first meeting.
And, the play of Jordan Jefferson. I don't think LSU will have as much success with the option because I don't believe Alabama was as prepared for it. And I still don't believe Jefferson is a good option quarterback, although he did a good job the first time against Alabama.
Some quick tosses or laterals to the side may serve better this time around.
Jefferson also needs to have his best passing game of the season to keep the Tide defense from crowding the line.
For Alabama, the Tide also needs a banner game from its quarterback, A.J. McCarron. If the Tide offensive line can give McCarron time, his receivers will undoubtedly be facing a lot of one-on-one matchups. Which puts the pressure on the Alabama offensive line.
Even NFL cornerbacks can't be expected to blanket a receiver for more than five or six seconds.
And, of course, the Tide will have to hit its field goal attempts.
I believe one special teams play from either side will play a huge part in the outcome.
So get ready for LSU-Alabama II. While a number of football critics have not exactly given it two thumbs up, I give it five stars and a must-see. You will have a hard time finding another college football game with as many future NFL players on the field.
And since I am playing the role of a movie critic, it's too bad I can't give away the ending (how was that for avoiding a pick)?
OK, OK, I won't weasel out on this one.
Normally I would say beating a Nick Saban team twice in one season would be impossible, Alabama has all the motivation, the Tide was the better team the first time around and other reasons to pick Alabama.
But this is just not a typical college football team in purple and gold. They thrive on pressure, they make plays when you least expect it, they bend but don't break and they just have this swagger that is not pretentious.
Tigers by a field goal. But this time the score will be higher.
After all, it's a sequel. |
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