T-News staff picks

Cecil Hurt

LSU 23, Alabama 15

“It’s all about the players” is just a little too true for Alabama this time around. In the long run, it’s all about the coaches and, in due time, will be to Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide’s benefit. But this time, it is all about the players and LSU has more of them than Alabama does. The Tigers get it done, for now.

Christopher Walsh

LSU 27, Alabama 23

Yes, the Tide played its first complete game of the season against Tennessee. Yes, the offense is beginning to really click, even though Alabama will likely still be without two linemen. All of those things can only help the Tide. However, the pick comes down to the one thing that's impossible to ignore: LSU's roster.

David Wasson

LSU 35, Alabama 21

The thing about this game isn’t Les Miles or Nick Saban or corndogs or anything other than LSU’s talent relative to Alabama’s process. It is about LSU — for the second time in a row — overcoming a pesky Alabama team with its eyes on an upset. Mike Shula was a bit of an emotional factor last season. Unfortunately, not today.

Andrew Carroll

LSU 27, Alabama 10

LSU comes to town with plenty of talent and a chance to contend for the national championship. The Tigers also have the added incentive of trying to beat down Alabama coach Nick Saban. As Saban said, Alabama played its most complete game against Tennessee, but the problem is that LSU has simply too much talent.

Michael Southern

LSU 31, Alabama 28

The Crimson Tide will be the best prepared team on the field, but unfortunately they won't be the most talented team on the field. Expect Alabama to fight the Bengal Tigers from start to finish, but even questionable coaching decisions from Les Miles won't be enough to let the Tide overcome the difference in overall talent and depth.

Edwin Stanton

LSU 35, Alabama 32

Wow. With all the hype, this game has a championship feel to it. That's why UA hired Nick Saban as coach — to win big games. And there is none bigger this season than this one. This game will be a glimpse into the future of what we can expect from Saban. I don't see them winning, but I do see a bright future for UA.

Harold Stout

LSU 27, Alabama 21

I would love to think that Alabama is capable of playing every week the way it played against Tennessee. That time is coming, but I don't think it's here yet. But having said that, there's no way Nick Saban will go into this game without an ace or two up his sleeve. I don't know what, but I look for something out of the ordinary to brighten the day.