The Daily Reveile Special Edition - Showdown in Tuscaloosa

SPECIAL ALABAMA EDITION

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Friday, November 4, 2011

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LSU, Alabama to meet in showdown between top-ranked teams Hunter Paniagua Sports Writer

Fans want ’Bama, and they’ll finally get ’Bama.

For weeks the chants have emerged from the LSU student section. At the end of every lopsided defeat, fans demanded the showdown with the No. 2 team in the country.

The date, Nov. 5, has been circled on countless calendars. The eyes of the nation have turned to the Tigers and the Tide, and Saturday, the bright lights of Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., will showcase the talents of the nation’s top two teams.

“Everybody’s ready,” said sophomore defensive end Barkevious Mingo. “The media’s ready, fans are ready, the team’s ready, coaches are ready. So we just have to get ready to play.”

Anticipation for the contest has reached an all-time high. Alabama issued about 600 media credentials for the game, according to The Birmingham News, nearly double the amount it files for a typical home game.

But this isn’t a typical game.

This marks the first time two Southeastern Conference teams ranked No. 1 and No. 2 have met in the regular season. Ticket prices have soared, and Mingo said he’s received at least 20 requests from friends and family for his tickets.

“I have a cousin that lives that way,” Mingo said. “I guess they think we can get an unlimited amount of tickets, but we only get four. I had to tell them I couldn’t get them.”

SHOWDOWN, see page B7

ZACH BREAUX / The Daily Reveille

The Daily Reveille

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Friday, November 4, 2011

Coaches’ contrasting personalities Tide has taken two add thrill to Saturday’s showdown of last three games Miles, Saban face off for fifth time Mark Clements Sports Writer

As similar as No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama look on the field, the head coaches on either sideline couldn’t be more different.

On one side is LSU coach Les Miles – a witty, strangetalking, grass-eating ball coach adored by players and fans alike.

On the other side stands Alabama coach Nick Saban – a strict, smart, sound and successful football general, envied by everyone outside of Tuscaloosa.

The coaches have a 2-2 record against each other and will face off on the biggest stage yet in what’s sure to be a 60-minute chess match.

“I think it’s a big part of the attraction of the game,” said CBS TONY GUTIERREZ / The Associated Press Sports broadcaster Verne Lun- Alabama coach Nick Saban and LSU coach Les Miles shake hands following dquist in a teleconference. “You Alabama’s 27-21 overtime win Nov. 8, 2008 in Baton Rouge. have the image of the stern taskrobotic authority figure. We know master at Alabama against the coaching jobs. looser personality of Les Miles.

Saban took a similar path, he really cares about us. He’s apThe contrast of the personalities playing at Kent State in Ohio be- proaching this week with such a adds to the billboard that we can fore kick-starting his coaching fire and a passion that you can see it, and it gets you excited as a use about them.” career there.

With each side having a bye Danielson added that even player to work harder.” week leading up to the contest, though Saban, who has had 14 difthe mad hat of Miles and the ferent coaching gigs, is typically shrewd mind of Saban have had the one known for his scheming extra time to scheme for their re- expertise, Miles’ game-planning spective counteris constantly unContact Mark Clements at part. derrated. mclements@lsureveille.com Senior line“Nick gets a backer Ryan lot of reputation Baker said the for how good he is additional pracX’s and O’s, and tices, coupled Les is kind of like with the hype a player’s coach of the matchup, and he’s a fun have brought out guy to be around the true personand he’s got loyal T-Bob Hebert alities of both players,” DanLSU senior offensive lineman teams. ielson said. “But “You can I’ve been around kind of see Alabama taking more a lot of practices and Les doesn’t of a military approach to the come around and talk to the press game,” Baker said. “They play or spend a lot of time gabbing. with a lot of technique and less He’s out there with the sheet, he’s emotion. With us, our defense hiring the right coaches, he’s inand our offense is kind of built on trinsically involved in all the deemotion. I’m an emotional guy, cisions.” and I like how [Miles] approachSophomore defensive tackle es the game.”

Michael Brockers echoed DanielWhile the contrasts between son’s thoughts and called Miles’ the coaches are countless, Gary nonchalant attitude a front for the Danielson, CBS Sports college media. football analyst and Lundquist’s “This is a big game, how can partner-in-crime, said he is struck you be laid back in this big of a by the number of similarities be- game?” Brockers said. “When tween the two. we’re in practice he’s talking “Both are guys who learned about perfect, perfect, perfect. their football up north and have They re-do plays so many times, their ties set to a strong, ‘run the so I know he wants this game ball between the tackles’ feeling to be perfect all the way around of commitment and tough foot- – special teams, defense and ofball,” Danielson said in a telecon- fense.” ference. “They’re both in charge Front or not, senior offensive of football teams … that can lineman T-Bob Hebert said Miles pretty much guarantee 15 to 20 and his antics, while laughable first-round draft picks every year. off the field, have the inverse efBecause Nick was [at LSU], that fect come game time. adds to the intrigue.”

“One of the reasons we love Miles played collegiate ball him so much is because he’s willat Michigan, where he would ing to show his human side,” also earn the first of his seven Hebert said. “He’s not just some

‘‘

‘He’s not just some robotic authority figure. We know he really cares about us.’

Albert Burford Sports Contributor

This weekend’s matchup between LSU and Alabama has been called the game of the year. But is it more than that?

The matchup was dominated

by LSU from 2003 to 2007, when LSU won every year.

With two championships in that span and no losses to Alabama, it looked like the rivalry may be forever changed in favor of the Tigers.

Lately, it seems the tide has turned.

Former LSU coach Nick Saban took over at Alabama in 2007, and the storm began brewing.

Alabama has now won two of its last three games against the Tigers, including one in Death Valley.

In that time, Alabama also won a national championship and had a Heisman Trophy winner in running back Mark Ingram.

LSU did its part last season by pulling out a thrilling win against the Tide, but there’s still a bitter taste in the mouth of Tigers fans left from the tight 2009 game at BryantDenny Stadium.

LSU players said they aren’t fazed by playing in big games since they face Southeastern Conference heavyweights week-in and weekout. But this game still carries special weight.

“All of the games in the conference are pretty much rivalry games,” said senior linebacker Ryan Baker. “But this game stands

apart because of some of the accolades and achievements these teams have accomplished.”

Most conferences have showdowns every year between two solid teams. Oklahoma and Texas play each year in the Big 12, Ohio State and Michigan always provide excitement, but they don’t usually produce the feelings this game has recently elicited.

While LSU coach Les Miles had an eventful Monday press conference in which he seemed relaxed and poked fun at reporters, sophomore defensive tackle Michael Brockers said Miles was all business in practice. “[Miles was] very focused,” Brockers said. “Everything has to be perfect in this game and that’s the way he approaches this game.”

Baker said this week has been different than most, as he woke up in the middle of the night Monday with about 12 alerts on his phone from people that had tweeted at him about the game.

Brockers said both teams are very similar. Both teams have top-five defenses nationally with outstanding run-stoppers and offensively, they focus on running the ball.

“We match up perfectly,” Brockers said. “I don’t know, it just seems like we’re looking in a mirror right now.”

Contact Albert Burford at aburford@lsureveille.com

The Daily Reveille

Friday, November 4, 2011

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Richardson enjoying Heisman-quality season at Alabama Running back ready to play LSU on Saturday Chris Abshire Sports Writer

As the rest of the college football world anxiously awaits Alabama’s matchup against LSU for two weeks, Crimson Tide running back Trent Richardson just patiently practices harder.

He’s already waited for two years.

The junior was the change-of-pace back behind former teammate and Heisman winner Mark Ingram for two seasons before assuming the feature back spot this year.

“Playing behind Mark, he was tremendous,” Richardson said. “I did learn a lot. With his level of success, winning the first Heisman trophy for the University of Alabama, I’m just honored to have played AUSTIN MCAFEE / The Associated Press with the guy.”

Alabama junior running back Trent Richardson (3) escapes a tackle Oct. 15. Alabama beat Ole Miss, 52That honor might be Richardson’s 7. Richardson says he’s ready to play LSU again after getting hurt in his last game against the Tigers. for the taking if he can parlay his bruising rushing style into another impressive per- won, but I liked what I saw from Coach they’re going to do everything they can to formance against LSU on Saturday.

Saban and how hard the team played. Be- slow me down again, so I can’t wait to see While usually recording just three ing from Florida, even in the Panhandle, what a healthy Trent can do in this game.” quarters of action in a slew of ‘Bama I had a lot of pressure from Gators. But I LSU senior linebacker Ryan Baker blowouts this fall, the Pensacola, Fla., na- couldn’t regret choosing ‘Bama.” said Richardson’s ability to break tackles tive has racked up 989 rushing yards and LSU sophomore defensive end Sam will make his unit’s job a little tougher 18 total touchdowns to Montgomery said he and situate himself squarely in several other Tigers are the Heisman hunt. friends with Richardson Richardson’s success dating back to the recruitis hardly a surprise considing process. ering his decorated career.

“When we were reHe rushed for more than cruited, I got really close to 2,000 yards as a senior at Trent, and I thought he was Escambia High School going to come [to LSU],” and was a consensus AllMontgomery said. “He American and five-star made his decision to go to recruit while being wooed Alabama, and he’s had a lot Ryan Baker by nearly every big-name of success there. Trent is an LSU senior linebacker program. amazing person, though.

Living in Pensacola, He really is.” where Southeastern ConRichardson was a key ference fanbases live at a crossroads with- cog in the Crimson Tide’s offense last seain the conference’s geography, Richardson son but was limited in Alabama’s final four faced pulls from every program. games after injuring his knee and an abLSU was a major factor in Richard- dominal muscle when former Tiger Patrick son’s recruitment — his brother played Peterson tackled him in the first half of last defensive end for the University of Loui- year’s game. siana-Lafayette — until another No. 1 vs.

That sequence has provided some No. 2 matchup swayed him toward Tusca- extra fire to Richardson’s preparation for loosa.

LSU. “I was in Atlanta for that [2008 SEC “It’s always in the back of my head Championship between] Alabama and that [LSU] took me out last year,” said the Florida,” Richardson said. “I know Florida 5-foot-11-inch, 225-pound back. “I know

‘‘

‘[Richardson is] not looking to avoid anyone because he sees the lane and he goes to get it.’

Saturday night.

“He’s a physical guy compared to some of the guys we’ve played this year,” Baker said. “He’s not looking to avoid anyone because he sees the lane and he goes to get it.”

On the flip side, Richardson said he hasn’t seen a combination of speed and physical play like the Tiger defense — which is third in the country against the run — in his career.

“Their secondary is so sound in tackling, and you’ve got defensive ends chasing down running backs in the open,” he said. “But then I’ll turn and see a couple of times when they just grab people and almost clothesline them, for real.”

Despite earning his own lore with a great junior season to date, Richardson doesn’t mind the lingering connections with Ingram, which his teammates say is only a compliment.

“Trent and Mark are different players, different guys, really,” said Alabama junior offensive lineman Barrett Jones. “They’re both successful because they truly are unselfish. I think Trent learned how to be a leader from Mark and is only continuing that legacy. It’s his time now.”

Contact Chris Abshire at cabshire@lsureveille.com

The Daily Reveille

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Jan. 2, 2005: Les Miles becomes LSU’s head coach

Friday, November 4, 2011

Jan. 3, 2007: Nick Saban becomes Alabama’s head coach

2006

2005

Matchup @ ‘Bama: LSU wins, 16-13, in overtime

RG: 60 Will Blackwell RT: 72 Alex Hurst QB: 12 Jarrett Lee RB: 11 Spencer Ware FB: 35 James Stampley

CHRISTOPHER LEH / The Daily Reveille

OFFENSE WR: 2 Rueben Randle, 10 Russell Shepard TE: 19 Deangelo Peterson LT: 76 Chris Faulk LG: 53 T-Bob Hebert C: 64 P.J. Lonergan

DEFENSE LE: 94 Kendrick Adams LT: 90 Michael Brockers RT: 93 Bennie Logan RE: 99 Sam Montgomery LB: 23 Stefoin Francois, 22 Ryan Baker, 46 Kevin Minter CB: 17 Morris Claiborne, 7 Tyrann Mathieu SS:18 Brandon Taylor FS: 1 Eric Reid SPECIAL TEAMS PK: 30 Drew Alleman KO: 30 James Hairston PR: 7 Tyrann Mathieu KOR: 17 Morris Claiborne P: 38 Brad Wing

2008

Matchup @ LS ‘Bama wins, 2 in overtime

Matchup @ ‘Bama: LSU wins, 41-34

Matchup @ LSU: LSU wins, 28-14

Projected lineup: Tigers

LSU senior quarterback Jarrett Lee drops back for a pass Sept. 15 in LSU’s 19-6 win against Mississippi.

2007

LSU by the numbers:

TOTAL OFFENSE 2,977 yards (372.1 average per game); 166 first downs 314 points (39.3 average per game)

PASSING 1,465 yards (183.1 average per game); 16 TDs 1 interception Jarrett Lee: 98-155 for 1,250 yards and 1 interception; 13 TDs Zach Mettenberger: 8-11 for 92 yards; 1 TD Jordan Jefferson: 6-10 for 123 yards; 2 TDs RUSHING 1,512 yards (189 average per game) 21 TDs 2 fumbles lost out of 8 Spencer Ware: 512 yards on 128 attempts (4.0 average); 6 TDs Michael Ford: 441 yards on 79 attempts (5.6 average); 6 TDs

Alfred Blue: 252 yards on 57 attempts (4.4 average); 4 TDs

RECEIVING Rueben Randle: 638 yards on 33 catches (19.3 average); 7 TDs Odell Beckham, Jr: 334 yards on 27 catches (12.4 average); 2 TDs Deangelo Peterson: 137 yards on 12 catches (11.4 average); 1 TD TOTAL DEFENSE 92 points against (11.5 points per game); 2,011 yards against (251.4 average per game) SACKS 19 sacks for 125 yards INTERCEPTIONS 11 FUMBLES RECOVERED 7 recovered out of 18

SEC coaches paying attention to LSU, Alabama matchup Spurrier believes in rematch possibility Hunter Paniagua Sports Writer

No. 1 LSU’s matchup with No. 2 Alabama has undoubtedly captured the attention of fans and analysts from every corner of the country.

When the Southeastern Conference coaches convened Wednesday for their weekly teleconference, some answered as many questions about LSU and Alabama as they did about their own team.

Florida coach Will Muschamp

— one of two SEC coaches to face both LSU and Alabama this season — said the two teams are clearly above the rest of the conference.

“They run the ball like you need to in this league,” Muschamp said.

“That’s why they are where they are, and the rest of us this year are trying to catch up.”

Muschamp served as LSU’s linebackers coach and defensive coordinator under former Tiger and current Alabama coach Nick Saban from 2001 to 2004.

Muschamp, whose Florida teams suffered lopsided defeats to both teams, echoed the sentiment of many who believe LSU and Alabama mirror each other.

“They play well as entire teams

from the standpoint of ball possession offensively,” Muschamp said.

“Defensively, they take advantage of opportunities when they have them.

They have a very similar make-up.”

Tennessee coach Derek Dooley, the other SEC coach to face both teams this season, also praised them for their performances this year.

Dooley, who served as an LSU assistant from 2000 to 2004, said there’s little that sets the Tigers and Crimson Tide apart.

“They’re two programs with great tradition, and they’re well coached,” Dooley said. “They’re both capable of winning a national championship. They’re both capable of beating each other. I could sit here and analyze everything, but all it

comes down to is who plays the best football for three and a half hours.”

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier understands the spotlight surrounding a No. 1 versus No. 2 contest. In 1996, as coach of the Florida Gators, Spurrier faced Florida State in a game between two topranked teams.

Spurrier said players and coaches don’t buy into the hype that surrounds a marquee matchup.

“It was just another big game,” said Spurrier, whose team lost 24-21 to the Seminoles. “We had a team that was capable of winning them all, and we didn’t quite do it.”

Though Spurrier’s Gators lost that meeting, the two teams met again in the Sugar Bowl, a rematch

for the national championship. Florida routed their in-state rivals 52-20.

Many have wondered whether the loser of LSU and Alabama deserves a second shot at the national championship. Spurrier said these teams could deserve a rematch.

“I keep reading that [there shouldn’t be a] rematch for these two teams,” Spurrier said. “I’m not so sure that that’s the truth or not.

If they both win out all the way through, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.”

Contact Hunter Paniagua at hpaniagua@lsureveille.com

SU: 27-21,

The Daily Reveille

Friday, November 4, 2011

2010

2009

Matchup @ ‘Bama: ‘Bama wins, 24-15

PASSING 1,827 yards (228.4 average per game); 10 TDs 5 interceptions AJ McCarron: 134-200 for 1,664 yards and 3 interceptions; 10 TDs Phillip Simms: 18-28 for 163 yards and 2 interceptions; 0 TDs RUSHING 1,834 yards (229.2 average per game) 27 TDs 3 fumbles lost out of 9 Trent Richardson: 989 yards on 149 attempts (6.6 average); 17 TDs Eddie Lacy: 465 yards on 58 attempts (8.0 average); 5 TDs Jalston Fowler: 329 yards on 47 attempts (7.0 average); 3 TDs

RECEIVING Marquis Maze: 482 yards on 39 catches (12.4 average); 1 TD Darius Hanks: 230 yards on 18 catches (12.8 average); 1 TD Trent Richardson: 212 yards on 18 catches (11.8 average); 1 TD Brad Smelley: 165 yards on 16 catches (10.3 average); 1 TD TOTAL DEFENSE 55 points against (6.9 points per game); 1,444 yards against (180 average per game) SACKS 17 sacks for 119 yards INTERCEPTIONS 9 FUMBLES RECOVERED 5 recovered out of 11

Keys to the Game “Turnovers, kicking game, explosive plays.

LSU has only turned the ball over three times all season, fewest in the country. If the Tigers hang onto the ball, they’ll have a great chance to win. Both teams are rePat Forde Yahoo! Sports ally solid in the kicking National College game and dangerous in columnist returns — one blocked kick or big return might be the difference.”

2011

Matchup @ LSU: LSU wins, 24-21

Alabama by the numbers: TOTAL OFFENSE 3,661 yards (457.6 average per game); 175 first downs 315 points (39.4 average per game)

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NOV. 5

Matchup at ‘Bama 7 p.m.

Projected lineup: Crimson Tide

OFFENSE WR: 15 Darius Hanks, 4 Marquis Maze TE: 89 Michael Williams, 17 Brad Smelley OT: 75 Barrett Jones, 76 D.J. Fluker OG: 65 Chance Warmack, 61 Anthony Steen C: 73 William Vlachos QB: 10 A.J. McCarron RB: 3 Trent Richardson DEFENSE DE: 92 Damion Square, 54 Jesse Williams NT: 99 Josh Chapman LB: 5 Jerrell Harris, 41 Courtney Upshaw, 30 Dont’a Hightower, 35 Nico Johnson CB: 21 Dre Kirkpatrick, 24 DeQuan Menzie S: 4 Mark Barron, 37 Robert Lester

ROGELIO V. SOLIS / The Associated Press

Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron tosses a pass Oct. 15 against Mississippi. Alabama won, 52-7.

SPECIAL TEAMS P: 29 Cody Mandell K: 90 Jeremy Shelley KR: 4 Marquis Maze PR: 4 Marquis Maze

The Daily Reveille asked analysts what the Tigers and the Crimson Tide need to watch out for on Saturday. Here are their answers.

“There’s two wildcard factors in my mind. One is turnovers in the fourth quarter, and Alabama has been guilty of this. They turned the ball over last year in the fourth quarter. Remember the John Parker Wilson turnover in the fourth quarter? End-of-theGary Danielson CBS Sports college game turnovers have been a big part of this series, and I football analyst think it’ll happen again.”

“The other X-factor in the game is, can Alabama replace Julio Jones? He caught 10 passes in this game last year. He’s averaging a touchdown a game.

Remember Patrick Peterson in 2009 went out of the Desmond game with cramps, went out Howard for one play and Alabama ESPN college scored. ... Marquise Mays, football analyst [Darius] Hanks and Kenny Bell, all those guys are very good SEC football players, but I’m questioning whether Julio Jones can be replaced by Alabama.”

“I think which team gets the other one out of their comfort zone is the way you win.

Neither team has had their power running game taken away from them where their quarterback had to go out and win a ballgame. If one of the defenses can put David Pollack them in an uncomfortable ESPN college spot and make them have to football analyst throw the football, I want to see how the quarterbacks react.”

information compiled by MICHAEL GEGENHEIMER, MARK CLEMENTS, MORGAN WAMPOLD, ROWAN KAVNER AND KATHERINE TERRELL; design and graphics by CHELSEA BRASTED

HEAD to HEAD

Alabama’s defense nastier than LSU

Alabama’s defense is just flat out better than the LSU defense.

They are better statistically, they are more physical and they are just nastier than LSU’s defensive unit.

This is not to say LSU’s defense isn’t great.

MARQUAVIUS Alabama’s is BURNETT just on another Crimson White level. For comAssistant Sports parison’s sake, Editor Alabama will be big brother and LSU will be little brother.

While little brother has shown signs of brilliance, he still has a long way to go before being on big brother’s level.

The one thing that separates big brother from little brother this season is big brother’s linebacker corps.

You know you’re good when you can lose a player like C.J. Mosley and not miss a beat. When Mosley went down, Nico Johnson and Jerrell Harris stepped up and took their games to another level.

You know you’re good when Courtney Upshaw and Dont’a Hightower’s only competition at their position is each other. Upshaw and Hightower take turns terrorizing opposing quarterbacks and pounding the poor ball carriers that try to run on them.

Linebackers aside, Alabama also has the best secondary in the country. Both Dre Kirkpatrick and Mark Barron are finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award. DeQuan Menzie, Dee Milliner and Robert Lester would all be on that list if they were at any other school.

Last but not least, Alabama has the most under appreciated defensive line ever. Josh Chapman, Damion Square and Jesse Williams don’t get the press clippings because of the talented back half of the defense, but all three will have a chance to play in the NFL. Alabama’s defense has multiple players who will play on Sundays. They also don’t lack leadership, because you wouldn’t see an Alabama defensive starter suspended for being involved with the police.

Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com

Statistics don’t tell the whole story In LSU’s locker room the words “Four quarters of mean, nasty, tough ass football” stand out on a whiteboard.

That’s how the LSU defense tends to play.

When you compare the Tigers to Alabama, it’s easy to look at the statistics and KATHERINE stop there. ‘Bama TERRELL ranks ahead of Daily Reveille LSU in every deDeputy Sports fensive category Editor — rushing defense, passing defense, total defense and scoring defense.

That doesn’t tell the whole story. For this game, the statistics need to go out the window.

LSU is currently ranked No. 3 in scoring defense, allowing 11.5 points per game compared to Alabama’s 6.88.

However, three touchdowns scored against LSU came at the end of the game when the Tigers were simply content to let the clock run out.

Take away late touchdowns by Oregon, Kentucky and Auburn, and that number drops to 8.88.

On paper, Alabama’s defense has a distinctive height advantage in many areas compared to LSU’s defense.

Good thing they don’t play games on paper.

LSU’s biggest asset is its ability to fly to the ball and create turnovers.

Some of its players, like 5-foot-9 sophomore nickelback Tyrann Mathieu, might be small, but they don’t lack for heart.

The Tigers have forced 18 turnovers this season compared to Alabama’s 14. LSU ranks No. 2 in the nation in turnover margin, in large part because of Mathieu’s knack for getting to the ball.

Mathieu has two interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in seven games. He’s not the only one who can get to the ball, though.

Nine different LSU players have forced turnovers. The Tigers didn’t miss a beat against Auburn, despite sitting Mathieu and sophomore defensive back Tharold Simon for violating team rules.

Senior reserve cornerback Ron Brooks stepped in to force a fumble and return an interception for a touchdown.

Mathieu and Simon are expected to play Nov. 5 If you look past the paper, the LSU defense stacks up against Alabama’s just fine.

Contact Katherine Terrell at kterrell@lsureveille.com

The Daily Reveille

Friday, November 4, 2011

Top defenses square off Saturday Lee says the Tigers will be prepared Scott Branson Sports Contributor

Two of the nation’s most celebrated defenses will take the field Saturday when LSU plays Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala. For ESPN senior writer Ivan Maisel, even two full weeks of analysis and speculation isn’t enough time to predict a winner.

“These guys are so evenly matched,” Maisel said. “I think it’s too close to call.”

LSU and Alabama have both displayed oppressive defenses this season, but Maisel said there are slight advantages for both teams at specific positions.

“The secondaries are the two best secondaries in the country when LSU is at full strength,” Maisel said. “The LSU defensive line has probably got a little bit of an edge over Alabama, and the Alabama linebackers probably have a little bit of an edge over the LSU guys.”

One Alabama linebacker in particular has garnered substantial attention for his play this year.

Crimson Tide senior Courtney Upshaw, who leads the Southeastern Conference with 4.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss, has impressed LSU sophomore defensive end Sam Montgomery so far this season. “[Upshaw] is a monster,” Montgomery said. “He’s one of the most greatest players I’ve ever seen. He’s a freaking beast.”

ESPN college football analyst David Pollack thinks LSU has an

ROGELIO V. SOLIS / The Associated Press

Mississippi running back Enrique Davis (27) is tackled by Alabama’s Dont’a Hightower (30) and Nico Johnson, rear, in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011.

advantage in its depth on the defensive line. “[LSU has] more hyperactive, more playmakers on that front,” Pollack said. “Alabama only has three, but LSU has eight. They’ve got two lines they can rotate in and out, and a bunch of names that pop up in the box score every week.”

Sophomore defensive lineman Bennie Logan said while the Crimson Tide has special players on defense, it’s important for the Tigers to make a statement.

“We work all summer and all season long to be the best defense in the country,” Logan said. “We’re going to practice every week like we’re the best and just take it to Alabama with us.”

Senior quarterback Jarrett Lee recognizes the challenge of moving the ball against an Alabama secondary that has allowed a season average of only 135.63 yards per game through the air.

“They’re physical, but they’re also smart and aggressive,” Lee said. “They aren’t out of position

very often and they disguise a lot.”

Lee said it will be important to understand what the defense is bringing at him before the play so he can be effective passing the ball.

“Getting the ball out your hand quickly and knowing where you’re going to go with the ball is going to be important,” Lee said. “It’s about knowing where we need to go with the ball pre-snap and then, as the ball is snapped, making sure that that’s the right area and not forcing the ball in any way.”

Lee said LSU’s offense is familiar with facing top-tier defenses because it practices against one every week.

“You learn to get it out of your hands in practice, and it benefits us in the game,” Lee said. “I can imagine if we weren’t wearing a green jersey out there in practice, all of us quarterbacks, we would be done with.”

Contact Scott Branson at sbranson@lsureveille.com

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Friday, November 4, 2011

page B7

LSU students confident about Saturday’s matchup Anticipation has been building

State, and that was just SEC jitters.”

Biology freshman Andrew Broussard is making the trip to Tuscaloosa, Ala., and he believes, because of LSU’s tougher Alex Cassara schedule, he’ll be riding home a Sports Contributor happy man.

“It can go either way, but I feel The hype surrounding Saturday’s “Armageddon in Alabama” like we’ve played better teams, so has reached a fever pitch on cam- we have more experience under pus after two weeks of apprehen- our belt,” Broussard said. “Both teams have a lot of athletes, a sion, thanks to a bye week.

The anticipation has been lot of them well coached, but I think we’re gounbearable for ing to win. Not by political science much, but we’re junior Jaron Wilgoing to win.” liams, who said History sehe’s going to “go nior Vincent Carcrazy” on Satnovale thinks the urday. He also Tigers have to thinks the Tigers make their mark are going to go Jaron Williams early in the game crazy in Bryantpolitical science junior to silence AlaDenny Stadium. bama’s home field “We’re going to go in there and dominate, advantage.

“I think we have to do no competition,” Williams said.

“They’re really not ready for us something immediately to shut at all. I’m pretty sure if we score the crowd up,” Carnovale said. a defensive touchdown first, it’s “That’s a big plus for Bama.

They’re going to have 80,000going to be a blowout.”

Williams predicted a score of plus fans behind them, and if we 35-7 in favor of the Bayou Ben- do something quick to shut them up, that will definitely help us gals.

“We did face the No. 1 of- throughout the game.”

A combination of the playfense in college football and destroyed them,” Williams said, in ers’ skills and the fanbase’s zeal reference to the season opener has communication studies sophagainst Oregon. “I’m not wor- omore Sophia Perlander expectried about these little kids, man. ing victory for LSU. “I think LSU is going to win Think about it, we’ve played a lot of top-10 ranked opponents. because we’re a better football They’re No. 2 and their stats team, and we have more spirit,” come off little bitty teams that Perlander said.

Political science sophomore they’ve played ... and it was a breeze [for LSU]. The most com- Jack Holloway made a living expetition we’ve had is Mississippi ample of Perlander’s opinion.

‘‘

‘We’re going to go in there and dominate, no competition.’

SHOWDOWN, from page B1

The game has become an interstate war. Senior safety Brandon Taylor said students have told him to win this game for the entire state of Louisiana, not just for LSU. “It just motivates me more, because I know I have a job to do,” said Taylor, a Franklinton, La., native. “A lot of people are going to be watching, and they’re depending on us to get this win for them.”

The magnitude of the game has required LSU to spend extra time in its preparation. Even LSU coach Les Miles admitted “normal” won’t work against Alabama.

With the advantage of a bye week’s extra preparation, senior linebacker Ryan Baker said he’s had plenty of time to study the opponent.

“I haven’t stopped watching film,” Baker said. “We have an app on our iPad that we can take wherever and watch game film.

I’ve been watching it constantly, even in class, just studying as much as possible.”

The majority of the hype surrounding the game focuses on the two defenses. Alabama ranks No. 1 in total defense allowing 180.5 yards per game, and LSU ranks No. 4, allowing 251.4 yards per game.

Taylor compared the defensive hype to what the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers receive, and said LSU and Alabama will fight for defensive bragging rights.

“We want to outplay their defense, so that’s going to be our motive,” Taylor said. “If they don’t score, they don’t win.”

For many, the LSU and Alabama rivalry has grown into more than just a football game.

It’s a battle for SEC dominance, and some have called it a national championship play-in game.

To senior offensive lineman T-Bob Hebert, this game will likely mark the last time he takes the field against the Crimson Tide.

“I just feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to play in a game like this,” Hebert said. “This is why you come to a school like LSU or Alabama.

You go because you want to be in those games that everybody in the country wants to watch.”

Discussing Saturday’s game left Hebert with chills.

“I just got goosebumps talking about it,” he said.

Contact Hunter Paniagua at hpaniagua@lsureveille.com

“We’re going to win,” Holloway said. “There’s no question.

How can you not feel that way as an LSU fan? To doubt LSU at the moment of greatest glory?”

It pained sports administration freshman Chase Pope to prove Holloway wrong, as he took a more objective stance, forecasting a 17-14 Alabama victory.

“As bad as I want LSU to win, if I truly take all of the emotion out of it, I see two very

similar teams,” Pope said. “If I had to bet money, I’d probably pick Alabama.”

LSU’s duo of senior quarterbacks is the deciding factor for international trade and finance junior Matt Day. “I think LSU is going to pound it and beat them by seven in the fourth quarter,” Day said.

“Jarrett [Lee] is going to lead the team [on the final drive of the game], but the fact that Alabama has to be able to take in account

for Jordan Jefferson is going to be the key.”

It was a much more simple explanation for math senior Erica Orgeron.

“We’re going to win because we’re LSU and we’re the shit,” Orgeron said.

Contact Alex Cassara at acassara@lsureveille.com

page B8

The Daily Reveille

Friday, November 4, 2011