LSU Vs. Alabama Football Game a Defensive Struggle

The LSU vs. Alabama game has definitely been controlled by the defense so far. The LSU vs. Alabama football game could easily come down to which team cracks first in the second half, because so far both defenses look like they are going to continue to put up a strong showing on the field. Through the first half of play, LSU has managed the only touchdown of the game, as they were able to score on a pass over the middle early in the second quarter to take a 7-0 lead over Alabama. Alabama was able to answer to a certain extent with a field goal later on in the second quarter to make the score 7-3 in favor of LSU.

The thing about the LSU and Alabama football game is that it hasn't been the cleanest of efforts for the defensives of both teams, but for the most part the defenses have made stands when they needed to. LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson had passed for 105 yards in the first half, and the combined rushing attack of Jordan Jefferson and Charles Scott had only managed 52 total yards on 15 carries. Not stellar numbers by any means, and it was because of the pass rush of Alabama that was not only rushing Jefferson, but keeping a keen eye on the rushing attempts up the middle.

On the Alabama side of the ball, it seems like Alabama is trying too hard to be a big passing team so far in the first half, and have only allowed Mark Ingram to rush the ball six times. On those six rushing attempts Ingram was only able to get 38 total yards, with his longest rush of the half amounting to 25 yards. That is definintely not enough rushing attempts for a Heisman Trophy candidate and the sportscasters are probably going to look right at that when they do their first half analysis of the game. Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy was also 14 of 24 in passing for 154 yards, but he also threw a huge interception towards the end of the second quarter, so its not like he was commanding that more passing plays be run for the Crimson Tide.

Heading into the second half, it will be even more important for the LSU defense to buckle down, because Alabama could be pulling everything they can out of the play book in order to try and put some points on the board. LSU will also need to hold on to the ball and play it very carefully, because one mistake could cost them the game. Alabama on the other hand, needs to trust in their running game, and hand off the ball to a hungry Mark INgram more in the second half. He could carry them if they give him the opportunity, and there has been no more important game than the one Alabama is playing right now.

Sources:

ABC Coverage of LSU vs. Alabama

LSU vs. Alabama Box Score