Superdome, New Orleans
Tuesday, 10 January 2012 12.30pm (Live ESPN)
#2 Alabama (11-1, 7-1 SEC) v #1 LSU (13-0, 8-0 SEC)
Betting
The market opened at the beginning of December with most shops either posting LSU -1 or listing the game at pickem. At the time of writing Alabama are at -2.
In a battle of two of the toughest defences in the nation, points will always be at a premium as evidenced when the two teams fought it out in Tuscaloosa in early November (LSU won in OT 9-6).
The total currently sits at around 40 with Sportingbet.
Notes
It was billed as the next "Game of the Century" when the top two undefeated programs in the nation fought it out on November 5. The then #1 ranked LSU Tigers were on the road in Tuscaloosa playing the #2 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.
It took extra time to separate the two teams with LSU prevailing 9-6 in overtime in a game where neither team graced the endzone for a touchdown. Alabama fans would have left the game thinking what could have been with a number of missed field goal opportunities that could have changed the outcome of the game.
Fast forward two months and it would seem not much has changed...The undefeated #1 LSU Tigers will play the one-loss #2 Alabama Crimson Tide in a rematch that will decide the BCS National Championship.
Plenty of things have had to fall the way of the one loss Alabama Crimson Tide for them to make it into the BCS Title game. Oklahoma State, Boise State and Stanford all fell at the last hurdle in the quest for an undefeated season and a shot at the national title.
After a BCS Bowl season full of points I am looking forward to a defensive battle that will decide who win the 2012 BCS National Championship.
Players to watch
If you are in Australia and have ESPN, you could be forgiven for thinking LSU punter Brad Wing and Alabama defensive lineman Jesse Williams (Both Australians) are the only players taking part in the game tomorrow.
Seriously though, it is a great effort for both players being apart of such storied programs getting some quality airtime for this great sport. Brad Wing has had a tremendous year and will be remembered for dubious penalty being called as he was running a fake punt into the endzone.
A couple of the more widely known players are LSU defensive back Tyrann 'Honey Badger' Mathieu and Alabama tailback Trent Richardson (Check out Richardons sick run v Ole Miss below). Both players have had a great season and were rewarded as Heisman Trophy finalists.
Although Mathieu and Richardon get plenty of the attention (and deservedly so), keep an eye out for the following players that could turn the game -
Morris Claiborne (LSU) - Outstanding defensive back who is often forgotten with the Honey Badger getting all the media attention for the most part. Claiborne is a serious talent is marked as a potential top 5 pick in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft.
Rueben Randle (LSU) - At an imposing 6'4 and 208 pounds he has caught 50 passes for 904 yards and 8 touchdowns.
LSU Defensive Line - Sam Montgomery, Michael Brockers and Barkevious Mingo will look to make life for Trent Richardon and AJ McCarron very difficult.
Dre Kirkpatrick (Ala) - Again on the defensive side of the ball Kirkpatrick is a defensive back who is looking at being a first round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. It will be his job matching up with Rueben Randle.
Mark Barron (Ala) - Playing at safety you will see him deliver some big hits on any LSU player with the ball. As with plenty of talent in this game a first round 2012 NFL Draft prospect.
Conclusion
Make no mistake if you are hoping to see a high scoring end to end game you may leave disappointed. I can assure you however, that you will see two programs stacked with NFL talent going at it until the final whistle blows.
Remember some of the names you hear tomorrow, it won't be long until you are hearing them called on a Sunday afternoon..maybe even playing for the NFL team you follow.
@AusSportsGuys
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