Here is the game analysis:
Alabama has some great interior lineman on both sides of the ball. It has a game-breaking returner/receiver. The QB is going to be a really good one, and is on his way this year. The LBs are really, really good. The secondary has one or two future NFLers. #3 would start for 25 NFL teams.
Nick Saban has never out-coached anyone on game-day. He is a good schemer, and a great CB coach. He works the refs well since he has been at 'Bama, and has gathered a group of talented players.
The crowd cheers at pre-game video like some fans do at a during-the-game winning play. The refs never gave the other team a game at Bryant-Denny.
LSU is three deep in the D-Line, and Mingo is a freak of nature. The LBs are ok, but are not nearly the players that Alabama's are. The secondary has the best corner in the country in Mo Claiborne, and the best pest/playmaker in The Honey Badger. The 2 QB system gives teams a lot to prepare for, and are different enough to break-up a bad rut of possessions. Ruben Randle is a great player, and there are at least 5 other really good WRs. Our 6th string TB, Hilliard, may get 8 carries.
Les Miles—believe it or not—is a pretty conservative coach. He will throw a trick call out there, and no doubt he has bigger ones than Nicky. He has no idea when to call a time out. He is a great recruiter, and has more future NFLers on this team then any LSU team in history.
If LSU wins or ties the turnover battle, and doesn't get hosed on any calls like the one below, LSU by 8. Otherwise it is life and death with a slight edge to Bama.