LSU vs Alabama, Prediction 2008. This is Saban’s first game back in Death Valley. This game means a ton for the BCS. ESPN’s Gameday Crew is going to be there. Alabama is ranked #1 for the first time in over a decade. LSU has to beat Alabama to stay in the SEC West contention. This game is huge, just like it was last year.
To me the Saban thing is a nice back story, but it should be taking a back seat to the game. The fact that he used to coach at LSU has little to do with the fact that he has become a dominating coach at Alabama. Nick Saban has taken that team and given it a presence and a back bone. When they beat Georgia it surprised me. Georgia has since lost to Florida badly, and that tarnishes Alabama’s signature win of the season a little.
LSU has looked lucky. They did not look good against Auburn, but they won. They lost to Georgia and Florida. The offense has never looked confident with the QB play. The running attack is brilliant in spurts, but only solid at other times.
I pick Alabama to win, and win by 10. I see absolutely no reason for an upset. Alabama has a better running attack and a better defense. Alabama does not look lucky at all. Alabama will, however, meet their match in Florida in the SEC Championship game.
That is just what I think. Leave a comment. Here is a pro LSU vid for you Tiger fans. 
November 6th, 2008 at 4:47 am
LSU ftw! nice, a lot of upsets have occured recently
November 6th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Ethan- I agree with your pick and I’m a Tiger fan. I don’t agree that Alabama has a better running back- that’s just not true. They might, might have better running back(s). Bama has good ones no doubt and they lead the SEC in rushing offense. But Charles Scott has had 5 multiple TD games and 6 100yd rushing games. he’ll be first round NFL. The problem for him and LSU is the Tide have the number 1 rushing defense in the SEC.
November 7th, 2008 at 10:36 am
I think it will be a closer game, but an Alabama win. It will be within a touchdown or three points… Alabama’s win. Not within 10 points.
November 7th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
ALABAMA ROCKS THIS YEAR. THEY ARE PLAYING THIER “A” FOR SURE THIS SEASON. BAMA WILL TAKE THIS LSU TEAM TO THE CLEANERS. ROLL TIDE
November 7th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
PatD I was talking about Alabama’s running backs plural, so we are on the same page.
Thanks for all the comments guys!
November 7th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I see the possibility of an upset, but only if LSU can avoid putting it’s quarterbacks in tough situations. To do this, they have to establish a running game, which is easier said than done. Bottom line though, is that they have to take the game off the QBs shoulders. Defensively, the Tigers have a solid run defense and pass rush. If LSU can stop the run and get to the passer, they could be in business. Too much time for John Parker Wilson though could spell trouble as LSU’s secondary is often caught out of position. Also, the Tigers have to keep the defense off the field. Long drives by Bama followed by a Tigers 3 and out will give The Tide a decided edge. I know that sounds elementary, but that situation has plagued LSU all year. As for intangibles, I agree with the original post that Saban’s return makes for a nice backstory, but will have little impact on the game. Also, LSU’s crowd often seems to be neutralized during day games. In watching Alabama, this year, they seem to play to the level of their opponent, so I’m expecting a close game. It should be a good one. I’ll go out on a limb and say Tigers by 3. (Yeah, I know. It’s a long limb!)
November 7th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
I think this is a good prediction, however amazing things have happened in Tiger Stadium and LSU wants to prove a lot after a lack-luster season thus far. I think they will get the upset before a very loud and bitter crowd. LSU by 7.
November 7th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
yeah I think Alabama 35 LSU 21 but Alabama will dominate the first quarter but struggle in 2nd half
November 7th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
IMHO, LSU’s ONLY hope in this game is to absolutely stop the run. Bama is very physical up front and will try to smash you in the mouth. LSU’s run defense has been shown to be weak in previous games vs UGA and UF. It’s a day game and bad things seem to happen to LSU at home when the sun is out. This is one of the games that I had originally picked as an upset, but after the game was moved to from the night, I am just not feeling it anymore. Bama, while tough, does have some areas that can be exploited. The question is, is LSU good enough to exploit this team? Besides, as a Gator fan, we need Bama to be undefeated when we face them in the SECCG
November 8th, 2008 at 10:20 am
LSU will start fast this time and keep it close early on. Bama to fade in the second half and especially 4th quarter. Key is to stop Bama early and keep it close.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:41 am
Hey, I’m a big Georgia fan, but…seeing as how they didn’t make it to the SEC, I definitly hope that Alabama wins. But, I think that Florida will win. THey always seem to win the important games. I predict that this upcoming game will be a subdued version of the Florida-Georgia game.