By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter
LSU is a six point favorite over Alabama on Saturday afternoon, and on ESPN’s “College GameDay” from Notre Dame’s campus, the panel sided with the Tigers 3-1 in their predictions for the game. Former Tigers and Tide head coach Nick Saban was the lone selection for Alabama.
Kickoff between the No. 14 Tigers (6-2, 3-2 Southeastern Conference) and No. 9 Crimson Tide (6-2, 4-2 SEC) is set for 2:30 p.m. in Tiger Stadium (ABC).
Former Michigan wide receiver and 1991 Heisman Trophy Winner Desmond Howard agreed with host Rece Davis that it is a “huge” game for both teams looking to go on a November push for the playoffs.
“This is a tough one to pick,” he said. “I’m gonna go with LSU simply because they’re at home. Sam Leavitt’s playing at a very high level right now, not turning the ball over. He has Trey’Dez Green back, so I’m gonna go with the Bayou Bengals.”
Saban, who was 13-5 against LSU while coaching at Alabama and 9-1 in Tiger Stadium, called upon his experience on both sides of the rivalry to refute Howard’s nod to the home team.
“This is one of the most unusual home deals that you’ve ever seen,” Saban said. “LSU beats Alabama more when Alabama’s at home. Alabama beats LSU more when they’re playing at LSU, which is a tough place to play. But I think Bama gets it right. I’m all in for Alabama on this one.”
LSU is 4-9 at home against Alabama since 2000 and 6-7 on the road.
Former NFL All-Pro and West Virginia All-American punter and kicker Pat McAfee feigned his surprise that Saban picked the team he won six national championships over the team he won one with. After, he chose LSU to get a big win to keep its postseason hopes alive.
“Give me LSU just because what we saw that first week against Clemson, and Sam Leavitt’s playing better,” McAfee said. “They still have a path to get in (to the College Football Playoff). They know they have to win this at home.”
Celebrity guest picker Jason Sudeikis sided with the Tigers for more personal reasons.
“Pistol Pete Maravich is my all-time favorite basketball player, even though I never got to see him play,” said the “Ted Lasso” star. “Going LSU.”
Former Ohio State quarterback and longtime broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit did not pick the game because he will call the ABC broadcast of the matchup.
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