BCS National Championship Preview

It may not be the high-scoring shootout that the other BCS Bowl games have been, but tonight, a national champion in college football will be crowned at the Superdome in New Orleans, LA, as #1 LSU takes on #2 Alabama.

Here are my thoughts on the game.
1. Top two scoring defenses in the country face off for the championship. The old phrase: Defense wins championships certainly applies here.
2. Special teams. In the first game, LSU special teams was spectacular (kicker Alleman 3 for 3 field goals), while Alabama's was dreadful (kicker Foster missed four field goals), which proved to be the difference.
3. Turnover battle. In such a closely matched football game, whichever team can get extra possessions through takeaways usually has advantage.
4. Rest or rust? The two teams last played a game 44 days ago.
5. For LSU to move the ball effectively on the Tide, it all starts with the running game. Michael Ford and Spencer Ware's early success will open up passing game for QB Jordan Jefferson to get the ball to his big play WR Rueben Randle.
6. For Alabama to move the ball on the Tigers, it all starts with the running game. (sound familiar?) Trent Richardson was held to 89 yards rushing in these two teams' first match-up, which put a lot more pressure on young QB AJ McCarron to have to throw the ball 28 times. Also, they must finish drives with TDs and not FG attempts, which failed last time.
7. Potential for split national championship if Alabama wins this time? Man, we need a playoff.


I will be calling the game live with Random Sports Unlimited's Peter Berger. LISTEN HERE.
PREDICTION: In a close matchup that goes down to the wire, behind Jefferson and CB/PR play-maker Tyrann Mathieu, LSU takes home the title.
#1 LSU 20, #2 Alabama 19