GAME NOTES: One of the best games of the college football weekend pits the third-ranked LSU Tigers against the 17th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in an SEC clash. LSU is still alive in the hunt for the national championship, and the lone blemish on the team's 7-1 record came in triple overtime against Kentucky on the road. The Tigers avenged that loss with a 30-24 decision over Auburn last time out, and they have had two weeks to prepare for Saturday's showdown. With other victories over the likes of Virginia Tech, South Carolina and Florida, LSU has beaten a number of strong opponents. Like the Tigers, the Crimson Tide has had two weeks to prepare for this weekend's tilt. Alabama has put together a three-game win streak for the second time this season and is bowl eligible at 6-2. The most recent victory for the club occurred on October 20th by a 41-17 final over Tennessee. As for Alabama, it holds a commanding 43-22-5 series lead over LSU. However, the Tigers have won the last four meetings, including last year's 28-14 decision in Baton Rouge.

LSU is racking up 36.8 ppg and 435.4 total ypg, impressive numbers for a club that has achieved tremendous offensive balance. Of the 36 offensive touchdowns that the Tigers have managed, 22 of those have been rushing scores. The club is pounding out 224.2 rushing ypg on 5.1 ypc, impressive numbers by any standard. Jacob Hester leads the ground attack with 544 yards, but he has gotten plenty of help. The team's starting quarterback is Matt Flynn, and he has completed 55.8 percent of his passes for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns with five interceptions. His numbers aren't as impressive as those posted by backup Ryan Perrilloux, who started one game and has seen limited action in others. Regardless of which player is taking the snaps, expect the dangerous Early Doucet to be on the receiving end of some passes. It was Demetrius Byrd who made the play of the game against Auburn last time out, as he hauled in a 22- yard touchdown pass from Flynn with one second remaining on the clock to claim victory. Flynn threw three touchdowns against one interception and finished with 319 passing yards.

Opponents are scoring a mere 15.4 ppg against LSU, which is permitting 232.2 total ypg. The run defense of the Tigers has been stellar, as they are holding foes to 71.6 ypg on 2.2 ypc. As for the pass defense, they have held opposing quarterbacks well below a 50 percent completion rating with eight touchdowns against 13 interceptions. Craig Steltz leads LSU in tackles with 59 and has registered four interceptions to go along with a pair of forced fumbles. Up front, Glenn Dorsey is a force, but he injured his arm last game and is listed as questionable for this weekend. The Tigers allowed 296 yards to Auburn, including 97 rushing yards, and Dorsey exited in the third quarter of that contest. Once again, LSU was tough against the run.

It is hard to imagine the Alabama offense playing any better than it did in the victory over Tennessee last time out, as the Tide racked up 27 first downs and 510 total yards. Junior quarterback John Parker Wilson stole the show by completing 32-of-46 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns, arguably the best collegiate game he has ever played. D.J. Hall proved once again to be one of the top game-breaking wide receivers in the nation, as he made 13 receptions for 185 yards with a pair of touchdowns. Leading the ground attack was Terry Grant with 104 yards and one touchdown. Alabama is posting 31.5 ppg and 413.6 total ypg, solid numbers for a well-balanced offensive unit. Grant has rushed for a team-high 697 yards and seven touchdowns. Wilson has completed 57.9 percent of his passes for 1,876 yards and 11 touchdowns against five interceptions, and Hall has made 50 grabs for 764 yards and five scores.

After surrendering 17 points to Tennessee in the first half, Alabama pitched a shutout over the final 30 minutes of that contest. The Vols allowed 362 total yards in that clash, but a pair of interceptions proved to be key to the victory. Alabama has been a mediocre defensive football team this season, as opponents are scoring 20.8 ppg while gaining 355.0 total ypg. The Tide has been fairly strong against the run, limiting foes to 3.7 ypc. Against the pass, Alabama has come up with 12 interceptions. Rashad Johnson has registered 55 total tackles to lead the Tide, and he has intercepted four passes as well. As for Wallace Gilberry, he has posted 12 TFLs.

Expect this game to be close from start to finish, as Alabama will get a huge lift from the home crowd. The upset is certainly possible, although the Tigers will probably find a way to win once again.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: LSU 24, Alabama 23