The Crimson Tide’s downfield threat has a different look this season after losing its most dangerous wide receiver to the NFL.
Julio Jones, current Atlanta Falcon and No. 6 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, had 10 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown against LSU in last season’s contest, a 24-21 win.
Last season, Jones was by far Alabama’s most targeted receiver. His 1,133 receiving yards was more than twice as many as the Tide’s second best receiver, current senior Marquis Maze.
LSU senior safety Brandon Taylor noted while the Tiger defense no longer has to defend Jones, its job on Saturday is no easier.
“It’s a lot different with [Jones] gone, but we still just have to stay focused,” Taylor said. “One man doesn’t make a prepared.”
Junior cornerback Morris Claiborne said Maze is a threat on special teams as well.
“He’s one of those guys who can get the ball out in space and make people miss,” Claiborne said.
LSU defensive backs noted that the Tide’s heralded running backs corps — headlined by junior running back Trent Richardson — gives Alabama a boost in the passing game because opposing defenses have to crowd the line of scrimmage to defend against the run.
“With the running backs they have, they’re going to use them and try to catch you off-guard and throw it over your head,” said sophomore safety Eric Reid.
Reid said the Tigers are also keeping an eye on Alabama’s tight ends, specifically senior Brad Smelley.
“They’ve got some big guys playing tight end too, so we just have to make sure we’ve got them wrapped up and not miss any tackles,” Reid said.
Taylor compared Smelley to LSU’s most targeted tight end, senior Deangelo Peterson.
“[Smelley] is kind of like Deangelo Peterson for us because he can get up the field very fast,” Taylor said. “We just have to keep our eyes on