Alabama/LSU key matchups
In this heated rivalry, we expect hard-hitting, aggressive, black & blue football. Nick Saban & Ed Orgeron have two of the best overall teams in the nation ranking 1st & 3rd respectively. LSU trots out a defense tied for the nation-leading interception with 14 and allows 53.8 passer rating. Bama has the best scoring offense in the nation, 54.1 ppg, 58 touchdowns, & Tua has zero interceptions. There are some key matchups with the capability to decide this game. Let’s look:
CB Greedy Williams vs WR Jerry Jeudy
This matchup places the best corner in the nation vs one of the best receivers. Tua and Jeudy have a strong connection this season and Jeudy’s numbers display that sentiment. Jeudy has 31 receptions 777 yards, & 10 touchdowns. His counterpart Williams, post a passer rating of 40.1 when targeted this season. Limiting Bama’s best receiver is one way to slow down this high-powered offense. A juicy battle to be seen later tonight.
EDGE Michael Divinity Jr. vs LT Jonah Williams
In this game, it will be vital to keep the opposing quarterback off balance with constant pressure and protecting your quarterback. Jonah is a stud tackle and one of the best in the nation, he is projected to land in the first round this coming April. He will be tasked to contain one of the Tigers leading pressure leaders in Divinity. Tua is a dangerous dual-threat quarterback, but pressure disrupts any quarterback’s rhythm and timing. LSU MUST generate as much pressure as possible, force Tua’s eternal clock to go haywire.
S Grant Delpit/ ILB Devin White vs QB Tua Tagovailoa
Two of the most fearsome defenders in college football Delpit & White will need big games vs Alabama’s offense. LSU will be without their defensive leader Devin White for the entire first half due to a ridiculous and bogus targeting penalty vs Mississippi State last week. It’s to be determined how big of an impact this suspension will have early into the game, considering the crimson tide’s offense has been nuclear in the first half of games. Tua hasn’t taken a single snap in the fourth quarter. Delpit has 5 of the tigers 14 interceptions, he will be vital in correctly reading Tua pre-& post snap. White must be a factor in the run/passing game tonight, secure tackles, blitz timely, & disguise his coverage.
Tonight’s game will be a war zone, Tua has played in and won a national championship last season. This atmosphere will be that maybe times 100. The tiger’s fans will give him all he can handle, but in his words, this should be fun. We will see young man, we will see.
Damian Parson is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow/Like us on Facebook or Twitter.