This week we are running a daily blog leading up to the LSU Alabama game.  Today’s theme: LSU’s offense vs. Alabama’s defense.

By Jeff Rhodes, Sports Showtime producer

LSU’s offense has shown much improvement since last season.

The running game is just as good as last season, getting nearly 200 yards a game against SEC foes this season, and the passing game is more efficient, giving the offense an added dimension.

LSU goes five deep at running back, and wide receiver Rueben Randle has established himself as one of the premier deep threats in the conference.

Jarrett Lee has thrown only one interception, and is in the top 20 in passing efficiency.

LSU ranks thirteenth in the nation, scoring 39.3 points per game (0.1 points per game behind Alabama).

But LSU has yet to face a defense of Alabama’s caliber.

A defense ranked first nationally in scoring defense, giving up 6.9 points per game.  A defense that gives up, on average, under 200 total yards a game to conference foes.  A defense that has held their conference brethren to under 40 yards a game on the ground.

When Alabama welcomed Arkansas to Bryant-Denny Stadium, they held the Hogs to 14 points.  The Razorbacks average nearly 37 points a game.

LSU will need to protect Lee if they want to win the game.  So far, they have allowed only five sacks in their five conference matchups, best in the SEC.  Alabama has gotten to the opposing quarterback 13 times in five conference games, good for fifth in the conference.

Alabama’s turnover margin (+9) and opponent’s third down conversion rate (22.4) are the tops in the nation.  When LSU is not able to convert a third down, they will have punter Brad Wing there to put the Tide in bad field position.  LSU has given up seven punt return yards on the season.

That’s right.  Seven.

The player LSU will need to look out for Saturday night is linebacker Courtney Upshaw, who leads the team in sacks and tackles for losses.

Contact Jeff at [email protected]