Staff Predictions for Alabama vs LSU

When Alabama's 2013 schedule was released, there were two games that everyone pointed to when discussing the Crimson Tide's chances for a three-peat - Texas A&M and LSU. After Alabama escaped College Station with a 49-42 win on September 14, everyone knew we'd have to wait two months for the next true challenge. Well, that game has finally arrived.

Since Nick Saban showed up in the SEC, LSU leads this series 9-5 but Alabama has won four out of the past six meetings. The Tigers don't have as much to play for following a loss to Ole Miss three weeks ago but this game still harbors a lot of emotion in Louisiana. Take a look at how our staff thinks this game will go.

Baron Huber (Host of Houston & Huber) 

If there is one thing I know about this game as a player and fan its that we have no clue whats going to happen. At the end of the day football will always be football,  run the ball stop the run. Alabama 24 LSU 20

Martin Houston (Host of Houston & Huber)

This year's LSU at Alabama game may not have the hype of its recent predecessors, but it still hold national championship implications. Even though the Tide struggled early in the season on the O-Line and in the defensive backfield, look for those two units to be impressive on Saturday. As we have become accustomed to seeing, AJ and crew will set the tempo early and often. Their intensity will only be matched by C.J. Mosley and crew, which will make it a long night for the Tigers. The Tide will strip the Tigers of its stripes with an Alabama mauling. Alabama 41, LSU 20 

Chris Stewart (Host of The Chris Stewart Show)

While this game may not have quite the luster as the last three matchups, it still obviously means a lot on both sides. Clearly, the stakes are the same for Alabama as each of the past two regular season meetings. For LSU, this is a season-saver. While most people point to the Tide’s ability to stop the Tigers passing game, I think the bigger question lies in whether or not LSU can stop Alabama’s stable of receivers. Nobody has more depth at that position than Bama, and each has big-play, big-game experience.

I have a hard time believing that these two teams will post the type of numbers that many have thrown out there, but don’t look for this to be a field-goal kicking contest as we saw in the two games for the 2011 season. Alabama 28, LSU 17

Ryan Fowler (Host of The Game)

Alabama will gain the momentum quickly with some early scores. Nick Saban has had two weeks to find a weakness on the LSU team. Nick Saban will maximize those weaknesses, which will allow Alabama to score early in the game. Alabama can beat a team with several options. LSU’s chance of winning increases if they have success throwing the ball. Alabama wins by double-digits and yes, AJ McCarron passes 107 yards, which is all he needs to become the all-time leading passer at UA. Alabama 35, LSU 24

Ryan McMunn (Producer of The Game and The Chris Stewart Show)

Here it is, the Game of the Century part…. whatever part it is, I’ve lost track. Although recent history says this game will be close....Who am I kidding? This game is going to be closer than people think. The spread is around 12 points in Alabama’s favor, but I think we all know that LSU is probably going to cover. The Mad Hatter may make some absolutely crazy coaching decisions sometimes, but he seems to channel his inner Saban during this game. Mettenberger is playing like we thought he would play when he graduated high school, and I’m not sure if we match up well enough to stop Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. Our secondary will possibly be tested more in this game than in the A&M game, and recently the home team hasn’t had much success. However, we are on the way to making history by winning three national championships in a row and I don’t see us slipping up anytime soon. Alabama takes a hard earned win over the Bayou Bengals on Saturday. Alabama 31, LSU 24

Ben George (Digital Managing Editor)

In a reversal from recent years, 2013 LSU has a stronger offense than it does a defense, which is going to pose some problems against an Alabama team that's rolling on offense. The Crimson Tide should be fresh coming off a bye month where it outscored opponents 190-20. As long as the bye week didn't disrupt momentum, I believe Alabama will make relatively easy work of the Tigers in primetime. Even if this game is closer than expected, special teams should be a big advantage for the Crimson Tide to the point where a punt return touchdown is a big possibility. That being said, it won't be close, but Bama fans will stay around to enjoy this one. Alabama 38, LSU 17