Bodog Beat

These are tough times for the defending champions. (Wikimedia Image)

The LSU Tigers are sinking slowly in the SEC West at 3-2 (6-2 overall, 2-5 ATS). They’ve lost convincingly to both Georgia and Florida, and they’re 3.5-point home underdogs (at –120) in Saturday’s matchup against the undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide (9-0 SU, 6-3 ATS).

Beating LSU in Death Valley is not going to be a picnic. Tigers fans are preparing a special welcome for Tide coach Nick Saban, who took LSU to the national championship, left for the Miami Dolphins, and returned to the college ranks with rival Alabama. Saban himself will probably enjoy the hostile reception, but his offense will have trouble dealing with the noise at Tiger Stadium.

Then again, the Bulldogs snapped LSU’s 30-game home winning streak. And Brian Fremeau’s efficiency rankings have LSU at No. 44 in the nation compared to Alabama at No. 6.