LSU Tigers: Five must-see games for Tigers in 2015
Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (27) scores a touchdown on a 26 yard run against the Missouri Tigers in the fourth quarter of the 2014 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
2. LSU at Alabama – Nov. 7
In 2015 Alabama will ask offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin to duplicate the unthinkable and prep a starter at the quarterback position that can remotely equal the performance of Sims’ last season. Can it be done? We’ll all just have to wait and see. One thing is for sure. That question will need to be answered before the Crimson Tide welcome the Bayou Bengals to Tuscaloosa in November.
The overtime loss last season to Alabama broke the five home game winning streak giving Alabama its first overtime win since 2008. Both teams have managed to find themselves ranked the last nine times they’ve played each other with LSU in the rankings the last 14 times they’ve played.
This year’s game won’t disappoint. Both teams will need this win to solidify their shot at the SEC title game and set the tone for the rest of a brutal November. If LSU can match-up offensively to the powerhouse defense Alabama will field this season then they very well pull out the win.
Like LSU in earlier seasons, Alabama has several questions surrounding the quarterback position and may be forced to play an inexperienced redshirt freshman David Cornwell over Jake Coker. If that happens, then LSU has a solid shot at pulling out the win in t-town.
That said, Alabama won’t drop off much on the offense considering they’ll need to replace nine starters from the previous season. Look for a committee approach to take hold at the wide receiver position after losing Amari Cooper. The running back position is talented as any in college football with Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake and the offensive line is elite.
That could prove problematic for LSU as they continue to search for a pair of dominant defensive ends to help LaCouture and Godchaux out in the middle. Look for Mills and Adams to get tested early with Kiffin making the play calls. In order for the passing attack of Alabama’s to be effective Kiffin will have to find a way to use tight end O.J. Howard to help create mismatches versus a linebacker unit that could be exposed in coverage.
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