By Marquavis Burnett, The Crimson White
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The first “Game of the Century” between Alabama and Louisiana State was a defensive battle between two evenly matched Southeastern Conference opponents with tons of media hype and build up surrounding the game.
 

Against all of their opponents, the Tide and Tigers averaged over 30 points a game, but against each other, the teams failed to find the end zone in a game that needed overtime to decide a winner.
 

With the lack of offensive production, most media members and fans of the game questioned if the game lived up to the hype, but for the purists who believe the game of football is all about running the ball and playing stiff defense, this was a match up made in heaven.
 

Both defenses held strong and shut down the opposing offenses. The entire game came down to special teams play, with LSU having a slight edge. The Tigers went three-of-three on field goals, while the Tide went two-of-six with one kick being blocked, but one of the biggest advantages for the Tigers was their punting.
 

LSU’s punter Brad Wing punted six times for an average of 38.2 yards per kick, pining Alabama inside its own 20-yard line four out of six times. Wing changed field position for the Tigers and made it tough for Alabama to return punts.

“You can argue that he is the best punter in the country,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. “He really changes field position. He is averaging 46 yards per kick and no one is able to return them. That’s his kicks as well as his cover people.”

Wide receiver Marquis Maze fielded punts for the Tide and said Wing is one of the toughest punters he has ever faced.

“He’s a left footed punter and he uses that Australian style punt once they cross the 50 yard line,” Maze said. “His punts change direction in the air so it’s really hard to field him.”
 

For Alabama, this game is about proving to the world why they are the best team in the country. The Tide let one slip away at home, but linebacker Nico Johnson said the team has refocused and learned from its mistakes.

“Any play during the game can cost you the game,” Johnson said. “You have to play mistake free throughout the entire game, for 60 minutes.”

LSU took advantage of more opportunities than Alabama in the first meeting. They made game changing plays on defense when giving the chance and capitalized on all of Alabama’s mistakes.

When two teams are so evenly matched, the game comes down to who wants it more. One turnover, one missed assignment or one bad call can be the difference in the game. Wide receiver Brandon Gibson said the Tide made mistake and missed on a lot of opportunities in the first match up.

“We left a lot of points on the field the last time we played,” Gibson said. “I don’t think they beat us, we beat ourselves. I have faith in my team and I believe we are the best team in the country. We just have to go out and prove ourselves.”