Commentary

The Alabama-LSU 'shootout'

Despite the same defenses, the BCS title game won't be like the first Bama-LSU affair

Updated: December 5, 2011, 11:18 AM ET

By KC Joyner | ESPN Insider

To preview the BCS National Championship Game, KC Joyner examines potential myths for one of the most anticipated rematches in college football history -- the Alabama Crimson Tide versus the LSU Tigers.

Myth No. 1: This contest will be a low-scoring affair.

This mindset certainly is understandable given that these teams fought to a 9-6 overtime score in their first matchup this season, but it is worth noting that, as strong as these defenses have been, these teams' offenses have been just about as good.

Alabama has scored 34 or more points in all but three of its games and ranks 16th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in points per game. LSU has scored 35 or more points in all but two of its games and ranks 12th in the FBS in points per game.

Another issue in using the earlier score as a barometer for the point total in this upcoming contest is that it doesn't necessarily accurately reflect some of the elements of that first battle.

To read why the BCS title game won't be a repeat of the first LSU-Alabama game, sign up for ESPN Insider.