LSU junior cornerback Patrick Peterson used one word to describe his impending matchup against Alabama junior wide receiver Julio Jones this weekend — “phenomenal.”
The two superstars will face each other for the third time Saturday when LSU plays host to Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
“We’re back at it once again,” Peterson said. “My freshman year, it was freshman phenom versus freshman phenom. … Last year it was another phenomenal battle. It’s going to be fun. He pretty much knows how I play, and I pretty much know how he plays.”
Jones torched the LSU secondary for a game-high seven receptions for 128 yards in his freshman season in 2008. The Crimson Tide defeated the Tigers in overtime, 27-21, on a rushing touchdown set up by a 24-yard catch by Jones.
The matchup between Jones and Peterson was even more high-profile in 2009.
Peterson held Jones in check for most of the first half with two catches for 19 yards. Peterson suffered cramps in the second half and was taken out of the game with 10:37 left to play.
Peterson was replaced by then-sophomore safety Brandon Taylor, who Jones beat on a 73-yard touchdown catch and run that gave Alabama a 21-15 lead.
All Peterson thought when that play unfolded was a simple, dejected emotion.
“Aw, man,” Peterson sighed. “Julio is a man among boys out there — 6-foot-4, 220 pounds — you don’t get better than that.”
Jones said this week he has similar feelings about Peterson.
“He is a great competitor,” Jones said. “He is not going to give you a single play. I like the challenge.”
It appeared Peterson had gotten the best of Jones in 2009 when he attempted to cradle in an interception from quarterback Greg McElroy on the sideline. However, the game’s officials deemed the pass incomplete because Peterson did not have control of the ball in bounds.
The controversial call led to an Alabama field goal, the final points of the game.
Jones endured a setback against South Carolina this season, as he suffered a broken hand in the Crimson Tide’s first loss in 19 games. But Jones remained in the game and led the team with eight receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown.
He was quiet the next week against Ole Miss with just one catch and one dropped pass, but in the Tennessee game, Jones set an Alabama record with 221 receiving yards — an other-worldly performance, as Peterson described.
“He looked like [Houston Texans wide receiver] Andre Johnson out there,” Peterson said. “He was diving all across the field, catching the ball deep, getting past the corners … He has great speed and great hands even though he has a couple of plates in [his hand].”
Peterson said opposing offenses have been avoiding throwing in his direction as the season has progressed, but he anticipates many more targets with Jones on the field Saturday.
“I definitely got a lot more balls ran my way last year,” Peterson said. “With Julio I’m looking for at least 12.”
Jones is ranked No. 2 in the Southeastern Conference in receiving yards with 84 yards per game and 15 yards per catch.
Alabama coach Nick Saban said Peterson will be a formidable force to defend Jones for the third time in their careers. Peterson has two interceptions this season, both Sept. 18 against Mississippi State.
“He’s got great ball skills, good ball judgment, is a good tackler and he can cover,” Saban said. “Those are the three critical factors for a defensive back, and he’s got them all covered.”
Peterson knows the challenge that lies ahead Saturday, and he conveyed that message to younger cornerbacks like sophomore Morris Claiborne and freshman Tyrann Mathieu.
LSU coach Les Miles said players like Claiborne and Mathieu could get their shot against Jones.
“Hopefully at the right times we’ll have Patrick Peterson on [Jones], and at other times I don’t feel that bad having some other guys on him,” Miles said. “Julio Jones is a very talented receiver. I just think we are pretty good at corner.”
 
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