Alabama Crimson Tide at LSU Tigers Betting Preview

Opening point spread odds: Alabama -9.5 Over/Under: 41

Time: Saturday November 3, 2012 8 PM EST

Alabama ATS / Over/Under: 5-3 ATS O/U 4-3-1
LSU ATS / Over/Under: 3-5 ATS O/U 3-4


To say this game is HUGE is an understatement, as it has major National Championship implications. Sure, it is not last season's "Game of the Century", but the outcome of this game will have an impact on the BCS title game. LSU comes into this game winning 2 straight games against ranked teams, but if they lose this game their BCS hopes are squashed.

The Crimson Tide have yet to lose this season and head to LSU as almost double digit favorites. They have a solid offense, but are led by their defense that ranks #1 in the nation in both defending the pass and the run. Can LSU score on the Alabama D? That is the big question in this SEC rivalry match up.

Alabama has not played a close game this season while LSU already has a loss and their last 2 games were decided by a total of 7 points.

Alabama QB A.J. McCarron has 18 TD on the season and he has yet to throw an INT. WR Amari Cooper is his main target and Kenny Bell is his big play threat averaging over 25 yards per catch. LSU has a great pass defense ranking 4th in the nation, but what may be more important is their pass rush. The Tigers rank 16th in the nation in sacks and they will be up against a NFL caliber Alabama offense line.

The Tide rushing attack is led by the duo of T.J. Yeldon, who has rushed for over yards in 2 of the last 3 games, and Eddie Lacy and these guys have combined for almost 1,250 yards. Like their passing defense the run defense of LSU is solid ranking 8th in the nation.

LSU QB Zach Mettenberger has not looked great in the last few games, as he only has 1 passing TD in the Tigers' last 3 games. He has a good WR corps led by Odell Beckham (26 rec 420 yards 2 TD), but he will not only be facing the nation's top-ranked pass defense, but a solid Tide pass rush.

The Tigers have to run the ball to win this game and while leading rusher Kenny Hilliard has not played great in the last couple of games the Tigers are deep at the RB position. They have 5 players that have at least 250 rushing yards.

LSU's offense has to be wary of the turnover facing an Alabama defense that ranks 2nd in the nation in turnover margin.

Alabama vs. LSU Betting Trends

Alabama is 6-1 in their last 7 SEC games, 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, and they have an Over record of 4-1 in their last 5 games on the road.

LSU is 1-4 in their last 5 games, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 SEC games, and they have an Under record of 4-1 in their last 5 SEC games.

Pick: The road team is 13-3-1 ATS in the last 17 games between these bitter rivals and that trend will continue. Alabama is simply a better team on both sides of the ball and the Crimson Tide will not just win this game, but cover the 9.5-point spread as well.


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