Considering the support that a potential SEC rematch between the No. 1 LSU Tigers and No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide has gotten since that memorable field goal at Tuscaloosa back in November, it is no surprise that they are the two teams that will clash at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans this January. The BCS got it right this time around with the top two teams in the country set to face one another with the national title on the line, and it has all of the makings of a sports betting classic.Allstate BCS Championship Game
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. LSU Tigers
Monday January 9, 2012 – 8:30 PM ET
Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
College Football Betting Lines: LSU Tigers – 1.5
Although the two teams didn’t do much scoring in their first meeting, a 9-6 overtime decision in favor of the Tigers, that doesn’t necessarily mean things won’t break open in the rematch. Both NCAA football teams have scored at least 41 points in each of their final two games, and an early score could break things open.
College Football Betting Preview: Alabama
Even though the first result didn’t go in their favor, you have to think that the Crimson Tide would like to rely on their top-ranked defense when they make the trip to New Orleans. Alabama allowed an average of just 8.8 points per game, an incredible accomplishment considering some of the competition they faced in the SEC. It looks as though running back Trent Richardson will continue to be asked to handle the majority of the offensive burden as he has all year, after compiling 1,583 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns as the focal point of the Tide offense. Quarterback AJ McCarron has shown improvement, but it’s unlikely head coach Nick Saban will ask him to open things up unless they fall behind early.
College Football Betting Preview: LSU
While Alabama ranked first in points allowed, the Tigers were right behind them with an average of 10.5 points allowed per game, so it isn’t much of a surprise that their first meeting was so low scoring. But LSU’s offense did come alive in their final two games with wins over then No. 3 Arkansas Razorbacks and the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC championship game, with Kenny Hilliard scoring three combined touchdowns. What makes the Tigers that much more dangerous is the ability for their defense to score, which we saw in the SEC title game with Morris Claiborne’s 45-yard interception return.
College Football Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick
The pay head bookies have this spread listed at just 1.5 points, and the truth of the matter is that with two evenly matched teams that are so similar in style anything can happen. The problem for Alabama is that the Tigers have been able to dictate the pace of a lot of supposedly evenly matched games, including the first meeting between these teams. This game should be close until the end once again, but look for LSU to close out their perfect season in style by bringing home the BCS championship as undoubtedly the best team in the nation this year.
BSNblog Betting Pick: LSU Tigers – 1.5
