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SEC’s Best in-Conference Games: Number 1: Alabama at LSU

By Justin Melton

Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) celebrates after a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the third quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) celebrates after a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the third quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Linebacker Kendell Beckwith is the leader of the LSU defense. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Linebacker Kendell Beckwith is the leader of the LSU defense. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Alabama Offense vs. LSU Defense

As it has for the past two seasons, the Alabama Crimson Tide will have a new starting quarterback this season. I had thought, until perhaps a week ago, that Cooper Bateman would be that new starting quarterback. But Tide insiders have been raving about the performances of redshirt freshman Blake Barnett, and true freshman Jalen Hurts. When I attended Alabama’s Fan Day I thought Hurts was the most impressive. At this point who even knows who will win?

The running back position needs a new starter as well, but the waters are much less murky here. Bo Scarbrough is set to start with Damien Harris and true freshman B.J. Emmons backing him up. Scarbrough is essentially a Derrick Henry clone. He’s big, strong, and surprisingly fast. Harris struggled as a freshman last season  but looked much better during the A-Day game. Emmons is young but he runs hard. He was very impressive at Fan Day.

The one offensive position where the Tide has an incredible amount of experience is at wide receiver. Calvin Ridley is a star already. Ardarius Stewart is getting better with every game, and he has all the tools needed to be a star as well. Robert Foster was starting ahead of Ridley before he was injured against Ole Miss. Transfer Gehrig Dieter can just plain catch the football. If Bama can find a quarterback, this group’s potential is limitless.

On the offensive line Bama returns three starters. Fortunately, one is left tackle Cam Robinson. The other is Ross Pierschbacher who is moving from left guard to center this season. Alphonse Taylor may have lost his job at right guard. Bradley Bozeman has been taking first team reps there during Fall Camp. Lester Cotton and Jonah Williams are penciled in at left guard and right tackle respectively.

LSU’s defense was not up to their usual high standard last season. To remedy that the Tigers brought in new defensive coordinator Dave Arranda from Wisconsin. Arranda has plenty of talent to work with, but his decision to transition to a 3-4 defense could result in some growing pains.

On the line, LSU returns two elite defensive ends in Arden Key and Lewis Neal. Unfortunately for the Tigers, they lost starting tackle Christian Lacouture to injury. Someone will have to step up in his absence.

Behind the defensive line Kendell Beckwith patrols the middle. He is the leader of the defense and is one of the premier linebackers in the country. Duke Riley and Tashawn Bower also bring a lot of experience to the table.

LSU has built a reputation for having nasty secondaries, and this year will be no exception. Tre’Davious White is a true lockdown corner who can take away one side of the field. Also returning are veteran safeties Jamal Adams and Rickey Jefferson. The secondary should be the strength of the LSU defense.

Advantage: LSU

Next: LSU O vs. UA D

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