Skip navigation

Saban returns to LSU with a top-ranked rival


< Prev | 1 | 2
Video: Football from NBC Sports
Weis knows 6-5 isn't good enough
Nov. 22: Charlie Weis says he's responsible for Notre Dame's record and says he can't argue with the decision if he's replaced as coach.

Special feature
Predictions 101
Get picks to week's key games

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
LSU v Alabama
  College cheer
Check out some of the college football cheerleaders from across the country.

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.

Story continues below ↓
advertisement | your ad here

“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.”  

© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


< Prev | 1 | 2

Sponsored links