LSU, Alabama on SEC West title collision course

    Do you know where you will be on Saturday, Nov. 5?
    Unless either LSU or Alabama has a serious meltdown, the Tigers and Tide will decide the SEC West championship in Tuscaloosa.
    LSU could still lose a game before, beat Alabama, and still be in the hunt for a berth in the BCS championship.
    Over the past four seasons, since Nick Saban left the Miami Dolphins and returned to the SEC, Alabama vs. LSU has been the game of the year in college football.
    In 2007, LSU scored two touchdowns in 93 seconds late in the fourth quarter to win in Tuscaloosa, 41-34. Two months later, the Tigers would win the BCS championship.
    One year later, Alabama won in overtime, 27-21. LSU forced overtime when Leigh Tiffin’s 29-yard field goal attempt at the end of regulation was blocked.
    In 2009, after Charles Scott left the game with a separated shoulder, reserve tailback Stevan Ridley scored on an 8-yard touchdown run around the right end to give LSU a 15-13 lead late in the third quarter.
    But Alabama outscored LSU 14-0 in the fourth quarter, including a 73-yard catch and run by Tide wide receiver Julio Jones. Alabama won the West, routed Florida in the SEC title game and beat Texas in the BCS Championship Game.
    In 2010, with LSU trailing 14-13 in the fourth quarter, the Tigers were facing a 4th-and-1 at the Alabama 26. LSU tight end Deangelo Peterson took a reverse pitch from Stevan Ridley and raced 23 yards to the Alabama 3. The play set up a touchdown run by Ridley to give LSU the lead for good.
    The Tigers won 24-21, halting any Alabama hopes for a repeat national title.
    In his postgame interview on national television, LSU head coach Les Miles was glowing. Said Miles, “College football was celebrated today.”
    The win was the biggest for Miles since LSU beat Ohio State in the BCS title game in January of 2008.
    What Les Miles has been able to do is this: knock heads evenly with Alabama.
    Auburn owns two victories in the last four seasons against the Tide. But Florida, BCS champs in 2006 and 2008, has clearly regressed.
    Going back to the 2009 SEC championship, Alabama has routed Florida in three consecutive meetings. And, Miles has been able to keep Louisiana’s blue chip high school talent away from LSU’s archrival.
    Only three non-kickers on the Alabama roster hail from Louisiana. They are Rayville wide receiver Kenny Bell, Dutchtown running back Eddie Lacy and South Plaquemines true freshman wide receiver Bradley Sylve.
    A win over Alabama on Nov. 5 in Tuscaloosa would only enhance LSU’s sterling road resume. It would be the Tigers’ fourth road win over a ranked opponent away from Tiger Stadium this season.
    Les Miles would also become the first LSU head coach to beat Alabama five times.
    If somehow, the Tigers get to the BCS title game in the Superdome? Please don’t ask. I don’t have any tickets.
    Ed Daniels is sports director of ABC26. He can be reached at edaniels@clarionherald.org.