ESPN College Gameday analyst Kirk Herbstreit has been covering college football for more than 20 years. As a former player and current analyst, he has been in and seen his fair share of big time college football games. During our phone interview, he pointed out that Alabama outplayed LSU in the first matchup despite their loss, but the Crimson Tide will have to capitalize on their opportunities and feed Trent Richardson the ball if they hope to win the BCS National Championship Game.
The Crimson White: When these two teams met in November it was a tight game that ended 9-6. How do you see this one turning out?
Kirk Herbstreit: I think we’ll see more points in this game. With Bama having 44 days and LSU having 37 days to get ready for this game, I think that allows the offenses to get a better feel and a better sense for the tendencies of each defense and because of that I think we will see more points. I’m not saying it’s going to be a shootout, but I think there is a chance to see more points and more opportunities to have some big plays by the offenses.
CW: One of the biggest things I saw after reviewing film from the game was how much Alabama struggled against the option on defense. What adjustments do you see Nick Saban and Kirby Smart making on the defensive end?
KH: All defensive coaches talk about the same things. It’s about discipline and assignment football. It’s one thing to draw it up, but it’s another thing to go out there and execute it and to be able to deal with a guy like Jordan Jefferson, who people forget is 6-foot-5, 225 pounds and can run. He’s also a veteran who’s been playing for a long time. You’re right because I thought when he came into the game; the times that they ran the option it was an effective play for [LSU]. Now if you’re LSU and Les Miles and his offensive staff, you have to think that Nick Saban and his defense has been spending a lot of time on preparing for “when they go to this formation and they show option, this is what we are going to do.” They’re clearly going to have a better plan this time.
CW: Another thing I noticed from Alabama on the offensive end was that they got to the LSU 40-yard-line and ran 14 plays, with seven of those plays going for negative yardage. How do you see Jim McElwain fixing those offensive problems in order to get more points?
KH: I’m sure that was one thing they looked at when they went back and reviewed the film because I’ve looked at the same thing you’ve looked at. Especially on the first three drives, Alabama went right down the field. They have to have better success on first downs when they move the ball inside LSU territory. Look at all the negative plays they had, whether it was a false start penalty or sacks or trying to run a reverse with Marquis Maze. All of sudden this offense is facing 2nd and 17 or 18 and they don’t have the offense that’s built to be able to attack when they face those situations. It’s one thing to move the ball well; it’s another thing to be able to have success on first downs. Another things is, Trent Richardson was a none factor when they moved the ball into LSU territory. They’ve got to get the ball in his hands. He had three touches once they got inside the LSU 40 yard line. That cannot happen, obviously. Whether it’s a screen pass, running the ball or checking it down to him, they’ve to get the ball to him. He’s by far the best, most physical player they have on offense and I’m sure they’ll find unique ways to get number 3 the ball.
CW: You spoke a little bit about the players from a physical standpoint. Talk about the mental and emotional aspect of being a player. What are they thinking and feeling going into a big game like this?
KH: The biggest thing, especially in New Orleans, is that it’s really cramped. You can’t go anywhere down here without seeing t-shirts, signs and fans everywhere. By the time Monday rolls around, these players are going to be so tired of dealing with the media, family and friends, and watching SportsCenter and hearing about the game. The most challenging thing is being able to keep your emotions in check and not peaking too early and going through your routine the best you can. They need to block out all of those distractions and get locked in on what they need to do.
CW: I saw some reports that say some AP voters feel that they are going to vote LSU No. 1 as their national champion even if Alabama wins. What’s your take on people splitting the championship?
KH: I think if a voter did that he should have his right to vote taken away from him. That is the most absurd, ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. It sounds like an agenda or someone with an axe to grind against the BCS system. To look at the first matchup and say LSU is the better team is crazy. LSU won the game, but it took an overtime game, 9-6, where Alabama outplayed LSU most of the game…. To say that if [Alabama] ended up winning and people would not crown them the national champion is the most asinine thing I’ve ever heard of in my life.
CW: I know you can’t pick the game, but give me a key that you think will decide the game.
KH: I’ll say the two quarterbacks. I say that because I don’t think we’ve ever seen an atmosphere like we’re going to see Monday night in the national championship. It’s going to be the most hostile, loudest stadium that these players have ever played in and turnovers will decide the game. Special teams will go a long way along with other things, but turnovers will eventually decide the outcome. Which quarterback protects the football, which quarterback makes better decisions, and which quarterback plays with some passion and confidence, that’s going to be the team that emerges with a win.
