5 bold predictions for the LSU football season

Nov 8, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeAndrew White (2) catches a touchdown over LSU Tigers safety Jalen Mills (28) during the overtime of a game at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 20-13 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

After four consecutive losses to Alabama, LSU’s 9-6 overtime victory at Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2011 seems like a distant memory.

The Tigers were handed down a 21-point beatdown last time they traveled to Tuscaloosa, Ala., which does not exactly endorse optimism. Despite this, however, the LSU football team might be looking at their best opportunity yet to end the losing streak against their hated rival.

Although it is not publicized on a national scale, Alabama is far from solid at the quarterback position. Florida State transfer Jacob Coker was thought to be the answer for the Crimson Tide a year ago, but after losing out to Blake Sims last offseason, one could argue that Nick Saban’s squad is facing just as much uncertainty as the Tigers.

It is true that Alabama has had no trouble replacing quarterbacks in recent years, but that does not mean Coker is going to continue the tradition.

The Crimson Tide return a very talented team, but if they face quarterback struggles, they could easily be looking at a season similar to LSU’s last year. The Bayou Bengals field arguably their best secondary since that 2011 team, and they will absolutely feast on subpar quarterback play. Meanwhile, Alabama has its share of concerns at defensive back.

After losing a heartbreaker in overtime last season, the LSU Tigers will be looking for revenge. Whoever experiences the most success under center will likely come away victorious. If either team falters, it could get ugly.

Next: LSU will find success at quarterback