It only helps the Tigers in that they will be playing in their home state and in the same building where they have won 2 national championships in January 04′ and again in January 08′.

The crowd in the Superdome will probably be at about  60-40 tiger fans.  The superdome turf will benefit both teams special teams play and speed as a whole.  The tigers special teams was a key determing factor in the first contest and I expect it to benefit them once again 2 months after the first contest although it will be very interesting  to see if Nick Saban approaches the field position issue differently this time around.   I don’t expect the tide to have as many missed opportunities this time but do think the LSU defense had alot to do with not allowing the tide easy chip shots or touchdowns.  Drew Alleman and Brad Wing will be potent weapons again not to mention Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne’s threat on returns that could drastically affect field posistion.

I don’t expect LSU to have much success running between the tackles or breaking many big plays with the run although Kenny Hilliard could add an interesting dimension to the offense in which the tigers did not have in the first contest.  Jordan Jefferson should have some success running the option with probably Michael Ford.  The tigers will most likely trust Jefferson to put the ball in the air early and often unless he struggles severely.  The passing in this game will lead to more points in this contest which is another reason I like the tiger’s veteran quarterback over redshirt freshman AJ McCaron.

Jordan Jefferson could be the difference here.  This being his last game of a memorable career,  the coaches will allow him to do what he does best and maybe even open up more passing than we are accustomed to seeing from him in order to keep the Alabama defense guessing.

Remember this time the game is in New Orleans!

14-0 Tigers 23

Alabama  16