A Championship in November

    Tomorrow, LSU and Alabama will meet in prime time in what is a sort of regular-season title game pitting the top two teams against each other.
     These two teams feature the top two scoring defenses in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The Crimson Tide are allowing a minuscule 6.9 points per game, while the Tigers are giving up 11.5.
    The fact that both teams play in the same division of the same conference, makes this game essentially an SEC West title game. The winner of the game will control their destiny for a trip to Atlanta in December for the conference championship.
    The Crimson Tide are led offensively by junior running back Trent Richardson. Richardson has rushed for 17 touchdowns this season, and nearly 1,000 yards, while adding 212 yards and another touchdown receiving. Two weeks ago against Tennessee, Richardson saw his streak of six straight 100-yard rushing games come to an end, but contributed two touchdowns in a 37-6 win. He has found the end zone at least once in every game this season, whether it be rushing or receiving. When Richardson decides to enter the NFL Draft, he will be sure to hear his name called quickly as an elite talent.
    Richardson's ability to change the momentum of the game every time he touches the ball takes pressure off of sophomore quarterback A.J. McCarron. McCarron has played well this season, completing 67 percent of his passes, along with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions. The unknown factor, however, is how McCarron will respond to facing one of the best defenses in the country. The Tigers will bring constant pressure and try to force McCarron into errant throws.
    On the other sideline, redshirt senior Jarrett Lee will line up under center for the Tigers. Lee has started in spurts throughout his time in Baton Rouge but has played near-flawless football this season. Lee has thrown 13 touchdowns as opposed to one interception thrown nearly two months ago in a 19-6 win over Mississippi State. Lee completing eight of 21 attempts against Kentucky in early October, but has looked near-unstoppable in his last three outings, completing at least 70 percent of his passes in each game.
    For a coach such as Les Miles who routinely uses unusual packages to confuse opposing defenses, Lee is a perfect fit. He has impeccable ball control and rarely forces throws in coverage. 
    Having a quarterback with composure and a pocket presence to release the ball in time to complete throws is essential. These traits have helped Lee to lead the Tigers to the number one ranking.
    The game will be highly entertaining with great defenses on both sides, an future first-round pick in the backfield for the Crimson Tide and a precise passer for the Tigers. In the end, Richardson will lead the Crimson Tide to victory with a multi-score game and improve his team to 9-0.

Prediction: Alabama 24, LSU 20