Story Lines for the LSU Game

The Alabama Crimson Tide travel to Baton Rouge for Saban's first trip back to LSU

It's no secret that LSU is a rough place with rough fans. Saban is downplaying his first game back in Baton Rouge and for good reason -- Alabama could clinch the SEC west title with a win this week. If Alabama fails to win this game, the SEC West race is going to become very interesting with Alabama having to win their next two games against Mississippi St. and Auburn. We all know about the struggles Alabama has had against those teams in the recent past. Although Alabama could clinch their ticket to Atlanta, don't expect the story to change from Nick Saban making his return to the bayou.


The Pressure of Being #1

Since breaking into the Top 10, Alabama has had a target on their back, but after a miracle drive by Texas TEch late Saturday night, that target only got bigger. Being the #1 team in the land really does nothing good for a team unless you are rated that high just after the BCS Title Game. Does anyone remember who was number one this time last season -- probably not, so therefore it doesn't matter. Being #1 after the season is the only thing that counts.

Terrance Cody is expected to play

"We feel like he's progressed in his rehab enough that he should be able to do some practicing this week," said Saban after the Arkansas St. game. This is great news. If this plays out well, meaning Cody was able to keep his weight down and had enough time to heal, Cody will be going into the LSU game with two weeks of rest.


The Alabama defense is for real

When Cody went down, the Crimson Nation held their breath in a Prothro like moment, but Cody's injury has not changed much for the Alabama defense. They had their first shutout since 2005 this past Saturday against Arkansas St., and has only allowed 165.5 yards per game in the two game without Cody. I'. excited to get Cody but, but it is relieving to know that our defense can still thrive without him.


2:30 game in Death Valley

This is huge help for Alabama. Death Valley is a much easier stadium to play in during the day as opposed to a night game. With what is at stake in this game, it should be a prime time game, but a 2:30 game will take the Tiger fans out of the game earlier.


Are Mark Ingram and Glen Coffee heathy

I would be shocked if both of these players did not play in what is going to become the most important game in Alabama history since 1998. Coffee and Ingram went out of last weeks game in the second half with a bruised bicep and a hurt knee. I would be surprised if one of these players is hurt for next weeks games and shocked if theyr were both inactive for the game.


If Cody does play will we see him at fullback for goal line situations

I hope so because he gives used a guaranteed 4 yards.