The hype is real.
The hype is warranted.
No. 2 LSU and No. 4 University of Alabama will face off at 7 p.m. Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and it’s going to be epic. I can’t wait to watch two talented, physical football teams punch each other in the mouth for four quarters.
Is it wrong that I’m already hoping for overtime?
If you’re a football fan, there are 1,000,001 reasons to watch this game.
These are two evenly matched teams. Both the Tigers (7-0, 4-0 Southeastern Conference) and the Crimson Tide (7-2, 4-1 SEC) have plenty of players destined for the NFL, and it seems like every matchup is a push.
Alabama’s front seven is frightening. The Tide can rotate players in and out without missing a beat. Alabama has two defensive lineman, senior Jarran Reed and junior A’Shawn Robinson, who could be first round picks next year.
Meanwhile, senior linebacker Reggie Ragland is all over the field. He deserves his spot with the nine other semifinalists for the Butkus Award, the award presented to the nation’s top linebacker.
For all of Alabama’s talent on defense, LSU has an offensive line more than capable of going into a physical battle with the Tide. The rest of LSU’s offense is loaded with talent, as well.
Sophomore quarterback Brandon Harris showed his maturity the last few games by getting the ball in the hands of LSU’s offensive weapons. He’s been able to get the ball to his wide receivers, junior Travin Dural and sophomore Malachi Dupre, and they’ve been much more productive the last few games.
LSU also has Leonard Fournette — and a host of other capable backs — who can completely wear down a defense.
Alabama will be able to counter by saying senior quarterback Jake Coker has improved in recent weeks as well. He displayed unbelievable poise by leading the Tide to a comeback win against Tennessee.
Alabama has reason to be high on freshman wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
Oh, and they’ve got a decent running back named Derrick Henry. He might not be Fournette, but I think the Tide will be just fine with him and Kenyan Drake working in tandem.
It’s clear there’s a world of talent on both sides, but that’s not the only compelling reason to watch the game — it’s a must-win for both teams.
LSU fans won’t be able to stomach losing again to the man who used to stand on the Tigers’ sideline. Alabama already has a loss, and another one would eliminate them from the College Football Playoff picture, something that might cause a small revolt in Tuscaloosa.
If I had to guess, the game will come down to a turnover, a big special teams play or penalties. It’s that close of a match up in my mind.
It’s Verne and Gary on the CBS primetime call. It’s a showcase of future NFL talent. It’s the Tigers and the Tide.
Don’t miss out.
Jack Woods is a 22-year-old mass communication senior from Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach him on Twitter @Jack_TDR.