LSU vs Alabama: Q&A with Bama Hammer

As we look ahead to Saturday’s LSU vs Alabama matchup at Tiger Stadium, we sat down with Tony Breland, the editor at Bama Hammer, the Alabama fan site on the Fansided network. Tony, who you can follow @BamaHammer, was kind enough to answer our questions in regard to this weekend’s game.

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Death Valley Voice (DVV): Talk about Alabama’s season so far. Has it met expectations to this point? What was the impact of losing the game to Ole Miss, and could that be viewed as a rallying point for the team?

Bama Hammer (BH): It’s been a great one so far. The offense had the Jekyll and Hyde thing going when at home versus on the road, but that seems to be a lot better. I came into the season expecting to drop a few games, considering the questions on offense but have been pleasantly surprised.

On the Ole Miss game, I believe when Kenyan Drake went down with his injury, it took a lot out of the team. It seemed to me everyone went flat after that. However, Saban is the king of getting players motivated so I know he used that loss. They came out slow and stayed that way against Arkansas until late in the fourth. All the players said that Landon Collins interception energized the team and they have built on that, using the quote from the Secretariat movie, “let the horse run.” It seems to be working and the players are noting in practice that they are having a lot of fun.

DVV: Alabama is talented on offense and has shown that it can be explosive. How has the transition to starter been for Blake Sims, and is he the right quarterback to lead the Bama offense? How is he similar/different from AJ McCarron?

BH: Sims had a few growing pains in those first few games but he seems to be settled down a bit more now. He has the locker room on his side and he always talks about those guys working together for the same goal. With the quarterbacks on the roster, there is no doubt that he is the man for the job. His game play since the spring game is daylight and dark to his first game this season. You would think it’s a different quarterback. I think Sims and McCarron are both great leaders but bring different skill sets to the team. McCarron had a bit more of a deep ball. Sims has started to develop a deep pass but can tuck the ball and get away from the defensive pressure and sometimes make something out of nothing.

DVV: What does Alabama need to do offensively to be successful against LSU?

BH: I know it’s cliché but they just need to stick to the plan. LSU’s pass defense is ranked number one in the SEC, so Kiffin will have to keep Amari Cooper on the move to create mismatches. Sims to Cooper has been a staple of the season, so until someone stops it, they will feed him. Secondly, run the ball. LSU is ranked ninth in the SEC in rush defense so if everything goes as the stats goes, the Tide should be able to run the ball.

DVV: The hallmark of a Nick Saban team is the defense. Currently the Alabama defense is one of the best in the nation, and is very stout against the run. Who are the leaders on defense and do you think they can be successful in limiting LSU in rushing yardage?

BH: LSU will probably get their yards on the ground. This is one of the biggest games of the year for both teams. I think Alabama will slow them down a bit. LSU’s bread and butter this season has been the run. Saban and Smart are great at taking away the thing a team does well. I think this is what they will zero in on and will want to try to force Anthony Jennings to beat them with his arm. I would definitely pay attention to the pass rush this season. It’s been more effective than in years past. The team’s leading tacklers are also there to make plays. Linebacker Reggie Ragland, safety Landon Collins, and linebacker Trey DePriest are those guys.

DVV: What are the overall strengths for Alabama this year?

BH: As in the past few years under Saban, defense is up there. They’re probably not like the defenses from just a few seasons ago, but they are up there. I would add having a mobile quarterback. Having a guy that can get away from pressure has helped a lot this season. The running backs are great again as well. All Alabama fans were pleasantly surprised with the offense. Punter J.K. Scott can change field position easily.

DVV: Talk about any weaknesses, if any.

BH: Field goal unit once again. Placekicker Adam Griffith has an unspecified injury according to Saban that’s hindering him a bit. He looked fine for the first few games and was kicking well so this is a recent thing. The secondary still has a few issues but that unit is playing better for the most part. They still give up a few plays though.

DVV: Who are three Alabama players that LSU fans need to keep an eye on?

BH: Amari Cooper for one. If he can get things going and Sims can keep connecting with him, it could be a long night for Tiger fans. Kiffin will move him around all game. Keep an eye on left tackle Cameron Robinson as well if he gets to play. He suffered a high ankle sprain against Tennessee but he has been practicing this week and hasn’t been limited. And last, I’d say Blake Sims. If he struggles and can’t get things going in Death Valley, it could be a long night for the Tide.

DVV: Does Alabama, whether we’re talking about fans or players, view the LSU game as a true rivalry game? Does the Nick Saban factor have any bearing on this game, especially now that he is ten years removed from LSU?

BH: I think it really depends on the fan’s age and location. I view Auburn and Tennessee as our rivals. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the LSU game. It’s one of my favorites. Some of the younger fans probably consider LSU and Auburn our rivals since those teams are usually the ones we are battling for the west. With Saban’s “Process,” a lot of the players probably just view it as another game. That’s not an insult to LSU at all; that’s just the way he is. However, you can tell in the interviews that they enjoy this game a lot and look forward to it. I’m sure they want to get the win for Saban because of his ties to LSU, and it’s probably a big deal for the ones that are from Louisiana.

DVV: Okay, now to put you on the spot. How about a final score prediction?

BH: I’m usually not great at these but I have been leaning toward something like 24-17 in favor of Alabama. Sims seems to have calmed down on the road and I think he will do fine. The Tide may start slow on offense because it’s in Baton Rouge and we seem to have slow starts at times. I think Alabama can slow down the run, force Jennings to pass, and then it will all be on him. How he reacts will probably be one of the deciding factors in the game. It should be another great game in a great series. I think I will have to have some gumbo or jambalaya. Good luck to the Tigers and let’s have a great game with no injuries.

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