Mettenberger key to Tigers’ chances of beating ’Bama

    Do the Tigers have any chance against Alabama?
    The answer in a bit, but first: On the morning of Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, I was at the Superdome early in the day. A good friend had asked me to do whatever I could to get him tickets to that night’s BCS Championship Game between LSU and Alabama.
    Later, that friend had a message for me: “Thank you for not getting me tickets.”
    Since a 21-0 shutout loss to ’Bama in the title game, Alabama has taken off on a quite a run. The Tide will take the field (a Les Miles term) with 21 wins in their last 22 games. A loss at home to Texas A&M in 2012 is Bama’s only blemish in the last two seasons.
    Meanwhile, LSU is 17-5 since that championship game debacle.
    What’s been the difference for the two teams? Well, since that BCS title meeting, Alabama has recruited even better. And, the Tide has A.J. McCarron.
    Since he became the Alabama starting quarterback in 2011, McCarron has lost two games. They are to LSU in 2011 and to Texas A&M in 2012. Despite his gaudy win/loss record, McCarron is still regarded by some as a quarterback who simply plays within the system – like he’s an upgraded version of Jay Barker.
    But McCarron can make every throw, and his leadership skills are unquestioned. Next spring, some smart NFL general manager will send McCarron’s name to the podium at the draft.
    LSU’s Zach Mettenberger will be in the same draft, and Mettenberger is the key for the Tigers next Saturday. Last November in Baton Rouge, Mettenberger threw for 298 yards and a touchdown against Alabama. LSU had 435 total yards and was 10-of-20 on third-down conversions.
    The Tigers stormed back from a 14-3 deficit to take a 17-14 lead into the final two minutes. LSU lost the game despite winning the time of possession, 39:15 to 20:45.
    Despite his three-interception performance against Ole Miss, Mettenberger is still sixth (as of games of Oct. 26) in the Football Bowl Subdivision in passing efficiency.
    The five quarterbacks in front of him were Bryce Petty of Baylor, Jameis Winston of Florida State, Teddy Bridgewater of Louisville, Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M and Marcus Mariota of Oregon.
    The forward pass has been the path to victory for LSU against ’Bama. Matt Flynn starred in a 2007 win at Tuscaloosa. Three years later, Jordan Jefferson found Rueben Randle streaking down the middle for a touchdown pass that turned the momentum in a 24-21 LSU win.
    If Mettenberger performs like he did against Georgia, LSU has a chance. If Mettenberger performs as he did against Ole Miss, well … you get my drift.
    It is something to ponder as the bye week ends and ’Bama week begins.
    Ed Daniels is sports director of ABC26 WGNO. He can be reached at edaniels@clarionherald.org.