Jeff: Very physical Alabama defense could be too much for LSU

Before the season started, most LSU fans figured the Tigers would lose against Alabama this season. But the confidence is growing among Tiger Nation, after watching the Bayou Bengals show improvement on offense over the last two weeks.

However, Alabama has one of the top defenses in the country and the bye week should have helped a Crimson Tide offense that struggled in October to put points on the board.

It has all the makings for a great SEC game. While you are watching, here are five things to keep an eye on as LSU looks to take over 1st place in the western division.


1. Can LSU provide enough pass protection for Jordan Jefferson?


Its unlikely LSU will run the football with any consistency against Alabama. The Crimson Tide is only allowing 65 yards a game on the ground. LSU ran for a season-high 267 yards last week, but that was against Tulane. That means the Tigers will have to depend on the pass. LSU has had trouble providing adequate protection when other teams blitz. You can bet Nick Saban will be relentless when it comes to putting pressure on the quarterback.


2. Can Alabama hit on some big pass plays?


October was a tough month for Alabama's passing game. Quarterback Greg McElroy only threw two touchdown passes and failed to throw for over 150 yards in a game. This week Saban talked about his desire to have more explosive plays with the passing game. Standout wide receiver Julio Jones has been slowed by injuries this season, but the word out of Tuscaloosa is that the sophomore is finally healthy again.


3. Who will make more plays on special teams?


LSU's Trindon Holliday had two 50-yard returns against Tulane, and he'll need to have another big game against Alabama. The Crimson Tide's Javier Arenas is also a great return man. The senior has returned six punts for a touchdown during his time at Alabama. He is also 117 yards away from breaking an SEC record for most punt return yards in a career.


4. Who will execute better in the red zone?


These two teams have combined for only one loss, but their performance in the red zone has not been spectacular. LSU has made 29 trips into the red zone, but they've scored 16 touchdowns and turned it over three times. Alabama has also scored 16 touchdowns, but they've made 37 trips inside the 20-yard line. Field goals are nice, but touchdowns are needed when points are expected to be at a premium.


5. Will Mark Ingram remain a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy?

Ingram rushed for just six yards in the game against LSU last season. The sophomore is averaging over six yards a carry this year. This is the game of the week in college football, and Ingram has an excellent chance to impress the Heisman voters. LSU will need to tackle well, as Ingram has 645 yards after contact this season.


Prediction: Alabama wins 17 to 13.

I like the Crimson Tide to win, because I think LSU's offensive line will be outmatched against a very physical Alabama defense. The bye week will also prove to be very beneficial for the Tide as they used the extra week to work out some of the problems they had on offense.