Yep. Unfortunately the SEC East is usually decided before the West and people jump on tickets quickly. I agree it's an advantage but not the same as if the game was in their home stadium.
The biggest reason I want Bama is so we can beat Saban and their delusional fans again. I honestly don't know if they can handle being beat by an 'inferior' coach twice in a season, when they are saying this is one of their best teams in recent history.
It took over 24 minutes to get the offense on the board. By that time the offense had already given up seven points. The offense didn't outscore Arkansas until just before the half. We only added three points in the thrid quarter. We scored 17 of the offense's 34 in the final in the final 11 minutes. Once again we wore a team down. Again...the offense didn't set the world on fire just like the Western Kentucky game. Against most teams it won't be a problem as we have a great defense and special teams. We also have a great running game. I just don't see why you have so much confidence in JJ's passing ability. It has never clicked and never will. Arkansas didn't get much pressure but when they did JJ looked like Lee against Alabama. he panicked and made mistakes including a really bad INT. We'll be fine but if you expect anything more than a one-dimensional effort you'll be hoping for a lot. JJ hasn't recently gained confidence. He has always thought he was a top QB. Unfortunately he hasn't.
The OP is based on "what if?" Here's another "what if" for you. What if we just let Alabama and Oklahoma (not Oklahoma St., Oklahoma) play for the national championship? After all, the pre-season polls said they were the two best teams. The answer is simple. They played the games, and Oklahoma's body of work indicated they were not one of the two best teams after all. Here's what I think: Regardless of what happens Saturday in Atlanta, LSU should play for the NC. Their body of work this season warrants it. If Oklahoma State loses to Oklahoma Saturday, the opponent should be Alabama. If, however, OSU wins, they should play for LSU for the NC. Now you may ask me, do you really think OSU is better than Alabama? I answer, no; Alabama is the better team, and I believe they would beat OSU in a head-to-head. But that's perception. The system is supposed to reward the reality. And the reality is, Oklahoma State has played a tougher schedule than Alabama, and posted an equal record. Add to that (going back to the "what if" of the OP), LSU has already played, and beaten Alabama, I don't see how you take the honors away from an 11-1 OSU and give them to an 11-1 Bama.
JS: I agree with you and posted this in another thread which is my take on why I'm not worried if we end up in a rematch. If it does end up in a rematch, then I say "bring it". I think we are better now than we were November 5 for a few reasons while I don't see where Bama has improved: We've beaten them once in their house, so our Tigers will be more confident and relaxed the second time. JJ has improved since then now that he's been the starter for a few weeks. Hilliard has stepped up and that extra beef is a little more of a challenge for the Bama linebackers plus gives us 5 RBs. TM7 is back on top of his game and he was off a little the first time. We've seen that Bama has a weakness in the option. We have ample time to correct the big mistakes we made like letting TR get wide open in the flat a few times. Miles will still have Saban guessing about whether or not we stay conservative or have some tricks up our sleeve. While it's supposed to be a neutral site, the Dome is home for LSU. :hihi:
I have to (and have a want to) believe that the coaching staff is keeping the team to the conditioning that was used to prep for Oregon. That, plus the depth of our team on both sides of the line, should have the gumps gassed by the fourth quarter.
