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Saban returns to LSU with a top-ranked rival

'I think we’re going to boo him out of the stadium,' says Tigers fan

Alabama LSU FootballAP
LSU fans like these are expected to give a rude reception to Alabama coach Nick Saban.

Besides, the Crimson Tide has more important things to worry about, such as staying on track for its first national title since the Gene Stallings era — five coaches ago.

Alabama should pose quite a challenge for LSU’s beleaguered defense with an experienced quarterback (Wilson is a three-year starter), a dynamic freshman receiver in Julio Jones (33 receptions, four touchdowns) and the conference’s most punishing ground game. Glen Coffee (894 yards, seven TDs) and Mark Ingram (533 yards, eight TDs) both rank among the SEC’s leading rushers, and Roy Upchurch (335 yards, four TDs) isn’t far off.

The Tigers have surrendered nearly 24 points a game — only Arkansas is worse off in the SEC — but those numbers are skewed by redshirt freshman quarterback Jarrett Lee, who’s had five of his 10 interceptions returned for touchdowns. Still, it’s hard to ignore the enormity of those two losses, 51-21 to Florida and 52-38 against Georgia.

“I don’t know how they gave up 50,” said Alabama offensive guard Mike Johnson, shaking his head. “They’re as big and physical as they were last year, and that team won the national championship.”

For those getting a jump on their tailgating, there’s no doubt a second win over Saban would be even sweeter than the first.

“I don’t mind if we lose every game the rest of the season,” said Gerard Caswell, who was grilling up a pork roast, stuffed turkeys and tenderloins, “as long as we beat Alabama and derail their chances.”  

© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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