2 weeks Ago By Erik Beaston
ESPN College Gameday returns to Baton Rouge, Lousiana on Saturday, home of the No. 15 LSU Tigers, who will host the No. 11 Alabama Tigers in the weekend's highest-stakes match-up.
College Football Playoff contention is on the line between the two 6-2 teams, making the game more meaningful as neither is likely to make it in with three losses. Who leaves the game with a much-needed victory and which of coach Nick Saban's former teams will see their hopes and dreams of a national title evaporate when the final whistle blows? Find out with this preview and prediction. But first, all of the info you need for Saturday morning's Gameday.
Info Date: Saturday, November 9 Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: The Quad at LSU in Baton Rouge TV: ESPN, ESPN U Streaming: ESPN+ Crew: Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, Saban, Pete Thamel, Stanford Steve, Jen Lada, and Jess Sims Special Celebrity Guest Picker(s) Alabama vs.
LSU Prediction The Crimson Tide defense could be the difference in Saturday's showdown. Ranked fifth in the nation in team takeaways, they have tallied 10 in their last three games. The defense responsible for those staggering numbers is likely champing at the bit to face Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who has tossed seven interceptions in his last four games.
If he continues that trend, the showdown in Baton Rouge will not be close and the home team's dreams of a playoff appearance will go up in smoke. The Tigers are a pass-first offense. When pressed in a scenario where the offense has to come back from a deficit quickly, Nussmeier throws into tight coverage and turns the ball over, as evidenced by his last four performances.
It typically occurs during a dropback and/or is accompanied by some sort of pass rush, even if the defender does not get near him. Alabama's coaching staff likely knows that and will do one of two things: either take the passing game away and force the Tigers to try and win the game on the ground or disguise coverage to confuse the quarterback and get him to sling the ball into tight spots and give the defense a chance to win the game. The rivalry itself has been one-sided of late, with Alabama dominating to the tune of an 8-2 record against LSU.
That said, the Tigers won a one-point thriller the last time the two teams met up in Baton Rouge. There has been no real pattern in closeness, with some games decided within a range of one-to-three points and others, complete blowouts. Given the unfavorable match-up for the Tigers and their weaknesses, this may trend toward the latter.
Expect a close game early, maybe into the half, before Nussmeier dials up one of those passing plays that end up in the hands of a player in the other jersey and the downfall commences. Alabama wins, 37-20.
