1. Derrick Henry, Leonard Fournette and the Matchup in the Trenches
It?s unlikely Alabama?s Derrick Henry and LSU?s Leonard Fournette are on the field at the same time on Saturday night, but this is easily one of the most-hyped battles between two running backs in recent years. Henry and Fournette are two of the most physically gifted players in the nation and take the top two spots in the SEC in rushing yards per game. Fournette averages 193.1 per contest and has scored 15 times on the ground, while Henry ranks second at 130.5 per game. While both players are two of the nation?s best in terms of raw talent, the success for both starts up front in the trenches. LSU?s offensive line is one of the best in the nation, headlined by standout tackles Vadal Alexander and Jerald Hawkins. This unit has cleared the way for LSU rushers to average 6.7 yards per carry and allowed only eight sacks through seven contests. Alabama?s front five isn?t as strong, but this group isn?t far behind. The Crimson Tide average 4.5 yards per rush and allowed 13 sacks in eight contests. Left tackle Cam Robinson has been dealing with a knee injury for part of the season and has not performed up to preseason expectations. The bye week before this game should help Robinson recover, but right tackle Dominick Jackson is dealing with a high ankle sprain. It?s no secret both offenses rely on the run to setup the pass. But how much running room can the Tigers and Crimson Tide find on Saturday night? LSU is No. 2 in the SEC against the run (93.7 yards per game), while Alabama is No. 1 (78.5 yards per game). Which team wins the battle in the trenches is likely to emerge as the winner on Saturday night.
2. Quarterback Play
As we mentioned in the previous section, both teams prefer to use the run to setup the pass. While winning the battle in the trenches and gaining yardage on the ground is critical, both quarterbacks have to make plays on Saturday night. With the depth and talent in the trenches, it?s difficult to envision a team imposing its will over another up front on Saturday night. If that holds true, then making plays on first down to get into manageable second or third-down situations, as well as making timely plays is critical. Which quarterback steps up on Saturday night? LSU?s Brandon Harris is averaging only 156.9 yards per game, but the sophomore seems to be getting better with each snap. Additionally, Harris does not have an interception this season and has connected on eight plays of 40 yards or more (tied for second in the SEC). Alabama?s Jake Coker has attempted 96 more passes than Harris this year but has tossed seven picks and does not have a touchdown in his last two games. But Coker has completed at least 68.8 percent of his throws in each of the last four contests and made several clutch throws against Tennessee. In addition to the quarterbacks, both teams need their receivers to get separation against talented defensive backfields. True freshman Calvin Ridley is Alabama?s go-to option (45 catches), while LSU counters with two deep threats in Malachi Dupre (18.9 ypc) and Travin Dural (17.8 ypc).
3. Special Teams
History and the Vegas line suggest the margin of victory will be around a touchdown or less. With that in mind, the small things ? turnovers, special teams and third down/red zone conversions ? should be play a huge role in the outcome. But the special teams are especially worth noting, as Alabama kicker Adam Griffith has connected on four straight attempts after missing two against Arkansas. Griffith is just 10 of 16 for the season. LSU kicker Trent Domingue has made all nine attempts so far in 2015. Considering the strength on defense for both teams and the limited possessions (both teams over 32 minutes in time of possession), every scoring opportunity must be capitalized. Punts and field position are two under-the-radar areas to watch, as LSU?s Jamie Keehn averages 39.7 yards per punt, while Alabama?s JK Scott 43.3 per kick in 2015
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