11/7/09 6:35 am CST

Game Day! The long awaited LSU-Alabama game day is finally here. Alabama is coming off of an open date and is well rested and fired-up to play the game. LSU did not have an open date last week, but did post an easy 42-0 win over Tulane which was the most points LSU has scored this season. I believe today's game is going to be a knock down, drag out, physical game and I do not believe LSU will be intimated by the hostile surroundings. One of the most impressive things about Les Miles coached teams is that they play very well on the road. In my opinion, both teams are very well coached from the head coach all the way down to specials teams coaching.

Alabama opened as a 10-point favorite last Sunday night but the spread has dropped to 7.5 the last two days. Virtually all the national media are picking Alabama to win the game and some of the experts are predicting it will not be very close. I have been called senile for picking LSU to win the game but that is no big deal. I still like LSU's chances.

On offense, I believe that Jordan Jefferson, Russell Shepard, Brandon LaFell, Terrance Tolliver and Rueben Randle are going to have big games. On defense, I believe that LSU linebackers Kelvin Sheppard, Perry Riley and Harry Coleman are going to play big and I believe LSU's defensive backs are going to play very well.

The winner of the LSU-Alabama game will likely play Florida in the SEC championship game. The loser of the game will not need to hang their heads because there are still three games remaining on each team's schedule and they can still finish with a great season and play in a January bowl game. I am hoping to be able to stay calm during the game and sit back and enjoy it. I will have a full report in my Sunday morning update and I welcome your emails.

In recruiting news, Auburn picked up a huge comittment late Friday from five-star running back Michael Dyer from Little Rock, Arkansas. I have received a large number of emails asking if I thought that might help LSU's chances with Lache Seastrunk from Temple, Texas. I do not believe that Dyer's commitment to Auburn will help or hurt LSU's chances with Seastrunk. High profile players such as Seastrunk do not worry very much about competition because there will be competition at any school they attend. Since the last LSU Summer camp I have felt that Seastrunk would sign with LSU and I still feel that way. Les Miles needs to sign at least one big-time running back in the February 2010 signing class. I have learned that LSU is making a late push on five-star running back Marcus Lattimore from Byrnes, South Carolina and is considered a longshot at best. LSU is also recruiting running back Alfred Blue from Hahnville who is the real deal.

In high school football games played last night, all the No. 1 ranked teams in each classification won. The LHSAA playoff pairings will be announced Sunday and I will have all the information in my Monday morning update.

11/6/09 5:55 am CST

Good morning, Tiger Fans. The LSU football team will be leaving later today for the team headquarters at the Birmingham Marriott on Grandview Parkway in Birmingham, Alabama and will bus to Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa Saturday morning for the 2:30 kickoff against No. 3 Alabama. Alabama is 8-0 on the season and LSU is 7-1. Most Tiger fans are happy being 7-1 at this stage of the season and I do not believe very many felt before the season started that LSU would be 7-1 going into the Alabama game. Not all of LSU's seven wins have been picture perfect, but the same can be said about Florida's and Alabama's eight wins. I believe that LSU has improved more since the start of the season than any team in the SEC and I believe they will continue to improve.

The LSU-Alabama contest has all the makings of a great game. In my opinion, LSU will win the game if the team rushes for 100 yards or more and if the offensive line protects Jordan Jefferson on passing plays. I do not believe that LSU's defense will be able to shut down the high powered Alabama running game, but I do believe it will be able to slow down the running game enough to create a few long yardage situations on second and third downs. In my opinion, if Alabama is able to run the ball up and down the field against LSU's defense it will be a long day for LSU.

A key match-up in the game will be between LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson and Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones who is 6'4", 210, very strong and a great leaper. Peterson is 6'1", 210 and is considered by many to be the top cornerback in the SEC. If Peterson is successful in shutting down Jones, I look for Alabama to throw more than normal to their three outstanding tight ends.

Another key match-up is on special teams between Trindon Holliday of LSU and Javier Arenas of Alabama. Arenas (5'9", 200, 4.4) is one of the most feared special teams players in the nation. Arenas has great balance and vision and is very capable of scoring or setting Alabama up with great field position each time he gets possession of the ball as a P/KR or as a wide receiver. I would feel much more comfortable if LSU had a kicker who could kick the football deep into the end zone and not allow Arenas to return any kicks. Arenas is also a starting cornerback. Trindon Holiday of LSU has a little more speed than Arenas, but does not have as many moves, is not as strong and is not as sure handed in fielding punts. LSU has been very good on special teams this season and I hope it continues. I have a feeling that Holiday is going to have a great day returning punts and kicks Saturday afternoon. It would not surprise me to see Alabama go to the sky kick on kickoffs instead of kicking to Holiday.

Other SEC football games this weekend include: South Carolina will be at Arkansas, Furman will be at Auburn, Vanderbilt will be at Florida, Tennessee Tech will be at Georgia, Eastern Kentucky will be at Kentucky, Northern Arizona will be at Ole Miss, and Memphis will be at Tennessee.

Wednesday night on the Les Miles radio talk-show, caller Beaux Didley read a poem entitled “The Guarantee” that I believe many of you will enjoy.

The Guarantee

The week was Bama and the Tide stood strong,
The game had been anticipated all year long
As the week went by and the tensions grew high
You couldn’t help but be proud that Les Miles was our guy
In Tuscaloosa, Nicky sat back and said LSU has no chance,
All the while in Red Stick the mad hatter was planning his advance
The pundits would say the Gators and Tide will meet in the end,
But LSU possessed the eye of the tiger is what they didn't comprehend
But Bama has Jones, Ingram and Mt Cody you see
Theres no way in hell the tigers can match up with all three
Then theres the Great Nick Saban, the living legend on display
How in the hell could he be outcoached on that day
Down on the bayou the tigers smiled at the nonsense and remained low key
They possessed a swagger and a simple guarantee
Come Saturday when your bayou bengals step onto that field
Every damn tide flaw and inconsistency will be revealed
You must realize these tigers have something the tide does not
An innate ability to win and overcome when others cannot
This week is for all the marbles , the king of the west
The tide will be hurting because the tigers are the best
The game will end with the purple and gold on top
And Bama will prove they were just a flop
The coaches will meet at centerfield to Nicks dismay
Les Miles will exclaim proudly â??Nick, Have a great Day!â??

By Beaux Didley

In other LSU sporting news, I have not forgotten about LSU basketball and will start writing more about it next week. The LSU Lady Tigers will be playing Loyoa at LSU on November 10 and Trent Johnson’s LSU men will be playing UL-M at LSU on November 13.

In high school football news, this marks week 10 of the LHSAA regular season schedule. A few of the better games to be played tonight will be Rummel-Shaw, Hahnville- East St John, STM-New Iberia, Notre Dame of Crowley-Kaplan, Redemptorist-Parkview and Menard-Many. In Thursday night action, Parkview of Baton Rouge defeated Redemptorist 44-27 to clinch the district 7-3-A title. Thibodaux welcomed the return of Trovon Reed and defeated St Augustine 31-14. Reed rushed nine times for 52 yards and a touchdown and had a key interception on defense. Acadiana, ranked No. 4 in the state, defeated Lafayette high school 45-0.

11/5/09 6:05 am CST

Good morning, Tigers Fans. The LSU football team and coaches are working hard in preparation for the game of the year against Alabama this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. As all of you know, Alabama had an open date last week and many SEC football fans believe that the open date benefits Alabama, but I don't agree. I happen to believe that LSU's 42-0 win over Tulane last week was just the sort of confidence builder the team needed and I believe the LSU coaching staff spent part of last week preparing for Alabama.

Speaking of open dates, Nick Saban was 7-3 at LSU after open dates. In 2000, LSU defeated Alabama 30-28 after an open date. In 2001, LSU defeated Arkansas 41-38 after an open date. In 2002, LSU defeated Mississippi State 31-13 and Kentucky 33-30 after open dated. In 2003, LSU defeated Alabama 27-3 after an open date. LSU also defeated Troy 24-20 and Alabama 26-10 after open dates in 2004. Under Nick Saban LSU lost to lost to Arkansas 14-3 in 2000 after an open date and to Tennessee 26-18 after an open date, and in 2003 LSU lost to Florida 19-7 on October 11 after an open date.

Les Miles' record after open dates at LSU is 4-2. In 2005, LSU lost to Tennessee 30-27 in overtime on September 26 after an open date. In 2006, LSU defeated Tennessee 28-24 on November 04 after an open date. In 2007, LSU defeated Alabama 41-34 in overtime on November 03 after an open date . In 2008, LSU defeated North Texas 41-3 on September 13 after an open date. Also in 2008, LSU lost to Florida 51-21 on October 11 after an open date, and in 2009 LSU defeated Auburn 31-10 after an open date on October 24.

I believe that Les Miles is preparing for the Alabama game the same way he prepares for bowl games, and Miles is 4-0 in bowl games as LSU's coach with wins over Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Ga Tech.

Last night I listened to the Les Miles radio talk-show. Jim Hawthorne and Coach Miles did a short recap of LSU's 42-0 win over Tulane. Miles singled out the play of running back Stevan Ridley, fullback Thomas Parsons, quarterback Jarrett Lee and special team player Daniel Graff. Miles said he would like to see more of Ridley in a game of more importance and that Ridley might see playing time against Alabama. As for Thomas Parsons, he was not on the two-deep offensive line depth chart but wanted to contribute to the team and Miles decided to work him in at fullback and so far things are working out well. Parson did carry the ball one time in practice Wednesday and was told in a somewhat joking manner that it would probably be his last time to ever carry the football at LSU.

Before going to the phone lines, Miles gave credit to Alabama as being a solid team with great players at each position. Henry was the first caller and asked when Crowton was going to open up the play book. Miles was not very happy with the call and said that LSU has opened the play book and would continue to do so. Hawthorne reminded Henry that LSU has outscored their opponents 73-10 in the last three games.

Stevan called and ask about rotating some of the offensive linemen on the second team with the starters. Miles said it was a good idea but that the best players need to be on the field in the offensive line because of timing and working together. Miles did say that Will Blackwell, Alex Hurst and Patrick Lonergan played well in the last drive of the game.

Ricky from Alabama called and congratulated Miles for being the winningest coach in the recent history at LSU and asked what could be done to slow down Alabama's nose tackle Terrence Cody. Miles said the options are to double team and run away from him. Miles said he expects his offensive line to perform very well against Terrence Cody.

Randy called and expressed disappointment that Jordan Jefferson was sacked two times against Tulane and suggested rolling out Jefferson more. Miles agreed and said the team was working on correcting the problem.

Crank It Up called and wanted to know why Richard Dickson was not more involved with the offense. Miles' reply was that Dickson is a very big part of the LSU offensive package and that Dickson has 13 receptions on the season for 108 yards.

Will called and asked why LSU does not blitz more and pressure the opposing teams' quarterbacks. Miles' reply was that the defense is playing very well and doing what they are best suited to do. Will was reminded that LSU has sacked opposing teams' quarterbacks 11 times for minus 73 yards this season.

Jeannie from the live audiences said it was a shame that there was only one ball and would like to see Ridley and Russell Shepard with more touches. Jeannie asked coach Miles to promise her that the team would not kick to Javier Arenas. Miles could not make that promise but did say that he knew what he wanted to do.

Jerry called and said if LSU scores between 14-17 points he believe LSU will win the game. Jerry asked why not change the offensive scheme and run more counters to slow down Terrence Cody. Miles' reply was that counters are designed more to slow down the linebackers and would not slow down Cody.

Susan, the last caller of the night, was upset because LSU ran up the score on Tulane in the last drive. Mile reply was that he had his second team in the game and that he was not going to call plays that would not be successful and that LSU was not trying to run up the score.

In Les Miles' closing statement, he said playing in big games such as the Alabama game is the reason players sign to play for LSU.

In high school football, today I am posting a link to the power rankings for week nine. 
Next week I will post the final power rankings for week 10 and next Sunday the LHSAA pairing show will announce the schedules for week one.

Below are my top 15 high school teams in the state. Of course, this is just my opinion and nothing personal.

1. Lutcher
2. West Monroe
3. Rummel
4. Evangel
5. Neville
6. Franklinton
7. Hahnville
8. John Curtis
9. Acadiana
10. Notre Dame
11. (tie) Central and Barbe.
12. Redemptorist
13. South Lafourche
14. St Charles
15. St. Paul

In my high school picks last week I went 69-18. On the season my record is 663-185.

Here are my picks for week No. 10;

5-A
West Monroe 55 Pineville 12
Byrd 45 Natchitoches 7
Rummel 28 Shaw 20
Ouachita Parish 21 Captain Shrev 13
St Augustine 20 Thibodaux 19
Hahnville 34 East ST John 27
Central 45 Live Oaks 20
Acadiana 27 Lafayette 24
Barbe 28 Sulphur 14
ST Paul 34 Fontainbleau 13
Brother Martin 24 Jesuit 21
Catholic Baton Rouge 35 Zachary 13
South Lafourche 14 Central Lafourche 7
Comeaux 27 Carencro 13
STM 21 New Iberia 14
Lagrange31 Washington – Marion 20
Destrehan 21 St Amant 20
Dutchtown 44 East Ascension 19
Higgins 45 King Grace 13
Covington 28 Mandeville 13
Northshore 21 Slidell 20
Hammond 28 Ponchatoula 12
South Terrebonne 28 Assumption 20
West Jefferson 28 Chalmette 13
4-A
Lutcher 55 Morgan City 12
Salmen 45 Pearl River 14
Neville 45 Wossman 13
Karr 21 St James 20
Vandebilt 28 Helen Cox 20
ST Michaels 33 Glen Oaks 21
Parkway 35 Haughton 14
Jennings 21 Washington – Marion 20
Sam Houston 35 DeRidder 26
Minden 21 Woodlawn Shreveport 13
Franklinton 55 Walker 7
Northside 35 St Martinville 7
St Louis 28 Opelousas 7
Bastrop 21 West Ouachita 13
Ruston 35 Franklin Parish 14
Teurlings Catholic 34 Cecilia 7
Beau Bridge 35 Beau Chene 13
Belle Chase 28 Ellender 13
Alexandria 45 Grant 7
McDonogh 35 Sarah Reed 14
Minden 21 Woodlawn 14
3-A
Notre Dame 28 Kaplan 24
Amite 33 Loranger 8
Westlake 21 Iowa 20
Eunice27 Church Point 14
Plaquemine 31 Livonia 1
E.D. White 38 Catholic NI 19
West Feliciana 28 Baker 14
Redemptorist 34 Parkview Baptist 24
Independence 44 Albany 12
Patterson 44 Berwick 13
Holy Cross 34 DeLasalle 13
Richwood 28 Carroll 20
North Vermilion 37 Erath 13
Jewel Sumner 20 Bogalusa 13
North DeSoto 28 Loyola Prep 17
Rayville 28 Caldwell 22
Pine Prairie 28 Bolton 21
Bunkie 35 Avoyelles 20
Jena 14 Vidalia 13
Brusly 20 Port Allen 14 
2-A
Fisher 21 Thomas Jefferson 14
St Thomas Aquinas 21 Pope Paul 19
St Helena Catholic 28 Pine 14
Newman 35 Riverside Academy 12
John Curtis 55 Luster Charter 0
Evangel 44 Homer 13
Winnfield 28 Lakeview 14
Capitol 48 U High 13
Menard 24 Many 20
St Charles 44 Douglas 0
Donaldsonville 21 Dunham 19
S. Beauregard 27 East Beauregard 20
Rosepine 21 Pickerling 20
Farmerville 35 Ferriday 13
Welsh 20 Lake Arthur 14
Calvary Baptist 24 North Caddo 13
Clinton 34 Episcopal 19
Iota 28 Mamou 20
Jonesboro- Hodge 21 Sterlington 14
Loreauville 21 Jeanerette 14
Dequincy 28 Vinton 21
Mansfield 21 Red River 20.
Port Barre 35 Ville Platte 14
1-A
Pain Dealing 20 Ringgold 14
South Plaquemines 45 Ridgewood 0
St John Plaquemine 44 West St John 14
Oak Grove 28 St Frederick 19
Haynesville 35 Arcadia 14
St Mary 45 Northwood Lena
Westminister 34 St Edmund 20
Varnado 21 Jackson 20
Grambling 21 Logansport 13
West St John
Basile 20 Elton 7
Country Day 28 Crescent City 1 9
Southern Lab 20 Kentwood 14
Ouachita Christian 27 Cedar Creek 20
St. Martin’s 21 Lutheran 7
S. Cameron 28 Hamilton Christian 12
White Castle 21 East Iberville 14
Delhi Charter. 21 Delhi 7
Oberlin 35 Merryville 20
La Salle 14 Montgomery 13
Gueydan 21 Delcambre 10

Reader comments: All Tiger fans in Paris, France come watch the LSU vs. Alabama game at “The Great Canadian” pub. Address & Phone: 25 Quai des Grands Augustins 752006 Paris 01 46 33 54 20. It’s in the 6th right on the Seine, nearest metro stop is Saint-Michelle. Come root the Tigers on to a victory over Bama with your fellow Tigers in Paris. GEAUX TIGERS!!

Reader comments: The Little Rock Chapter - LSU Alumni Association will be watching the?LSU/Alabama game, on Saturday, November 7, at 2:30 pm, at Boudreaux's Grill and Bar, 9811 Maumeller Blvd, North Little Rock. http://boudreauxsgrillandbar.com/ You do not need to be an LSU Alumni or belong to the LSU Alumni Association to join us, simply be a LSU Fan. For more information you can email: lsualumnilr@yahoo.com

Reader comments: Attention all Tiger fans in the Tulsa area!!! Please join the LSU Northeast Oklahoma Chapter for a Watch Party on Saturday November 7th as LSU faces Alabama in Tuscaloosa for a critical SEC showdown that will have both SEC & National Championship implications. The Chapter will be at Indigo Joe's with Kick-off slated for 2:30 PM and our Pre-Game Tailgate starting at 2 PM. Indigo Joe's is the home of all of the chapter watch parties. Indigo Joe's has $3 Margaritas, 2 for $20 entrees and domestic beer specials Indigo Joe's is conveniently located just south of the Creek Turnpike at 104th and S. Memorial, next to the Popeye's and the new Spirit Bank Center. For more information contact Keith Huffman at 918-806-6668 or by email at tulsatiger@cox.net .

Reader comments: The Panhandle Bayou Bengals will host a Watch Party Saturday November 7th at Shooter's Sports Bar in Cordova Lanes, 2111 Airport Blvd., Pensacola. The Tigers play the Alabama Crimson Tide with the kickoff at 2:30pm. All LSU Fans and Friends are welcome! For more information call: 850-206-7981 or email: at LSUPanhandle@hotmail.com

Reader comments: LSU/Alabama Pre Game Party; Cajun Steamer Bar and Grill; 180 Main Street Ste 200; Hoover, Al 35244; November 6, 2009; All day food and drinks special;  Bands starts at 8:00 pm; 7:30 LSU-ALABAMA tickets to be given away (must be present)

Reader comments: LSU Alumni Chapter San Antonio presents a Bayou Bengals Football Viewing Party @ The Lion & Rose Pub @ 700 E. Sonterra Blvd. in Stone Oak. 210-798-5466. Join LSU Alumni, along w/fanatic Tiger fans & friends of LSU for great Fighting Tigers Football 2009. Saturday, November 7th, 2:30 PM (CST) Kick-Off. Tigers & Crimson Tide battle in Tuscaloosa. HUGE game! We welcome all members of Tiger Nation to come & watch LSU Bayou Bengals Football televised live on CBS-TV. Wear your colors.The Lion & Rose Pub presents a FREE RAFFLE! Each Tiger fan at every Viewing Party will have a chance to have his/her tab paid for by the Lion & Rose Pub! Come and cheer on the Tigers and make new friends. Geaux Tigers!