In case you’re not a die-hard college football fan but still want to enjoy LSU vs. Alabama, here is your guide to knowing what’s happening.
I’ve had Nov. 9 circled on my calendar, well, actually, I’ve had an alert on my calendar on my phone for months, because who has a calendar anymore? But the LSU-Alabama game on Saturday is the biggest game of the year and die-hard fans are stoked for the latest Game of the Century. But not everyone is as hardcore when it comes to SEC football so I am here to help with a helpful guide so you can enjoy the No. 1 and No. 2 team (in the AP Poll) in college football for the main event that it is.
So what’s the big deal anyway?
This is the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in the regular season since 2011. That game was also between these two programs with No. 1 LSU getting a 9-6 win in overtime against No. 2 Alabama. It’s also just the eighth such 1 vs. 2 games in the regular season in the history of the AP Top 25. The No. 1 team has won the last three games, including Ohio State getting two in 2006 alone, and is 4-3 overall.
So yeah, it doesn’t happen all that often so when it happens, it’s like Ron Burgundy in that it’s kind of big deal. Not only are there SEC West implications on the line, but national championship implications. The winner of this game will basically have their ticket punched to the College Football Playoff while the loser may still have an outside chance at getting in.
Doesn’t LSU always lose to Alabama though?
Pretty much. LSU hasn’t beaten Alabama since that 2011 regular-season game. Alabama came back in the BCS Championship Game that season and embarrassed them in the 21-0 coronation. The eight-straight losses are the longest streak of futility since LSU lost 11 straight from 1971-1981. LSU coach Ed Orgeron is 8-3 vs. top-10 teams but all three of those losses have come against Alabama.
Why will this year be any different then?
LSU actually has a quarterback. Joe Burrow has changed the Tigers offense and brought it into the modern era. He’s the leading Heisman Trophy candidate with 30 touchdowns and only four interceptions while completing 78.8 percent of his passes for 350 yards per game. LSU also has one of the best receiver units in the nation — so does Alabama — who has made Burrow’s ascent to the top of Heisman ballots and NFL mock drafts a smooth process. It also helps knowing Burrow is 100 percent healthy while Alabama’s signal-caller is recovering from ankle surgery.
How healthy is Tua Tagovailoa?
Alabama’s Heisman candidate at quarterback is a game-time decision after undergoing ankle surgery to repair a high-ankle sprain suffered three weeks ago vs. Tennessee. He returned to practice during last week’s open week and despite the game-time designation, reports indicate teammates and those inside the Alabama program are confident he is healthy and will not be limited vs. LSU. That’s encouraging because Tua struggled when he was recovering from the same ankle injury to the other foot at the end of last year.
What other players will be players?
It’s all about the offense. This game used to be all about the defense but this isn’t your older brother or sister’s LSU-Alabama game. Burrow’s receivers, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall, Jr. are all capable of going off for 100 yards and a score. LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has quietly put together a strong season but has been in the shadow of the other-worldly passing attack.
Tua’s supporting cast is just as talented with reigning Biletnikoff winner Jerry Jeudy leading the team in receptions, DeVonta Smith leading in yards and touchdowns and Henry Ruggs III leading in big-plays with nearly 20 yards per reception. Running back Najee Harris is putting together his finest season while Brian Robinson Jr. is carving out a nice role as Bama’s secondary back.
So this game is the primetime game, right?
It almost always is, but not this year. CBS picked the Notre Dame-Georgia game as their primetime game this year so it’ll air during the 3:30 p.m. ET window. Some fans are upset about not being in primetime. Some are happy they’ll have more time to party afterward. Some are happy they’ll be able to get home and to bed by a reasonable hour.
Wanna make this a little more entertaining?
If you’re feeling lucky and you’re in a state that allows it and you’re thinking about putting a little money on the game, that’s one way to spice things up for the casual fan. It’s why March Madness and the Super Bowl are so entertaining for casual fans who know nothing about the sport or the teams playing. LSU is a 6.5-point underdog according to The Action Network. Yes, the No. 1 team in the nation is an underdog against a team with a quarterback recovering from surgery and is listed as a game-time designation. Even, for the three-point home-field factored in, that’s still 3.5 points the oddsmakers are giving Alabama the benefit of the doubt on so they clearly don’t care about who is No. 1 and No. 2. The AP and playoff committee don’t set the line. That all leads me to say, I think that’s a pretty big spread and think LSU can keep it close. I think they may win outright so I’m definitely going to take 6.5.
What food and drink pairs best with LSU-Alabama?
Eat and drink whatever you like. It’s that simple. If you’re in a climate where it’s still nice outside, fire up the grill and put some meats on that thing. If you’re in 90 percent of the country where it’s miserable outside, order a pizza or get takeout from your favorite local place. If you’re entertaining, make sure there is enough for everyone to have seconds and thirds. That’s the only rule that matters.
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