Jumbo Package: TJ Finley picked as the starting QB for LSU vs Alabama

Happy Friday, everyone. Tomorrow is LSU’s turn on the 2020 Alabama revenge tour, and Ben Flanagan was nice enough to assemble the top ten plays from the series during the Saban years. Enjoy.

Game previews:

LSU is allowing nearly 450 yards per game - over 300 of those go to the passing game - while giving up over 30 points on average.

But now, the Tigers’ offense might be catching up to their defense. QB Myles Brennan is done for the year, and now top WR Terrace Marshall Jr. has opted out for the remainder of the season. Backup QB T.J. Finley struggled at times last week against Texas A&M, so don’t be surprised if Max Johnson gets some play, or even the start in this game. There is a lot for LSU to overcome for this one to stay close.

If you like Alabama, bet them now. This line will only continue to grow the closer we get to kickoff. Roll Tide.

PREDICTION: Alabama -28.5 (-110)

This is a massive spread, but don’t worry about it. Lay the points and enjoy the offensive show that Alabama will put on Saturday night in prime time. Saban’s crew is averaging 48.5 points per game this season, and has topped the 40-point mark in seven straight contests. This LSU team not only can’t keep up, but will struggle to get to double digits. Pick: Alabama (-28.5)

Suttles: Call me crazy and maybe it’s because of everything I’ve seen in the rivalry, but I tend to think it’s closer than the 29.5-point spread. I’m not saying it’s a single-digit game or anything, but I think there’s pride from the LSU side. The only question in my mind is how much of that pride is still around when the team is tired in the fourth quarter if it’s obvious they aren’t going to win. I think Alabama wins comfortably, but I’m not so sure it’s a 30-point win.

For those of you who believe in these sorts of things, the pattern favors LSU – it has alternated win-loss-win all year, and now it’s coming off a loss. But the talent and everything else favors Alabama.

There’s a chance the Tide come in just a wee bit ready just to get this over with – it’s on to the SEC Championship after this – and there could be a lack of focus after getting past the Auburn game.

They’ll come in, take care of business, and get out. This will be done after the first quarter.

Alabama 48, LSU 15

We’ve seen an exodus in Baton Rouge over the last week as top players decided they’ve had enough of the 2020 season and prepare for their NFL futures. I do not blame them a bit. The Tigers have little left to play for in this game, and even if they did, I don’t know where the points will come from. Alabama is back in Death Machine Mode, and it’s going to destroy LSU on Saturday night. Alabama 49, LSU 17 | The Pick: Alabama -29.5

It will be interesting to see how much fight is left in this LSU squad. They have seen key players opt out, lost their QB for the season, endured some humiliating losses, and this week there was disagreement between the head coach and defensive coordinator over whether they have the players for the scheme. It’s a mess, and Alabama seems to be functioning at peak level right now. Maybe LSU manages a garbage time TD and gets it to 52-13. I’ll call that for the score, but it might be a little worse.

Of course, that is just my opinion. Vote and give us yours in the comments

LSU has decided on its QB for Saturday, if you’re interested.

TJ Finley will get the nod at quarterback against No. 1 Alabama but coach Ed Orgeron told reporters Thursday that he expects Max Johnson to play as well.

Orgeron said that the decision to go with Finley over Johnson once again was a tough one to make but believes that the 6-foot-6 Ponchatoula native has a slight edge when LSU is in passing situations.

Finley will have to deal with not only Alabama’s pass rush, but also Patrick Surtain II.

It’s cold out there. Like ice cold.

We’re talking about the no-man’s land out on the left side of Alabama secondary (or to the quarterback’s right), where few opposing teams dare to visit, or at least throw the ball in any sort of threatening way. This is considered junior cornerback Patrick Surtain II territory, and it definitely should have warning signs posted along the sideline.

Pat won’t be waiting long to hear his name called in April.

Last, Landon Dickerson was on Marty and Mcgee, and he’s a pretty funny dude.

That’s about it for today. Have a great weekend.

Roll Tide.