BOL Picks: Week 9

This year, the BOL weekly picks contest contains elements from last year’s version with a twist: It’s pretty much everybody against everybody. Like last year, two BOL subscribers will pick for the Crimson and White teams, respectively, each week. At the end of the year, a member of the winning team will be drawn and receive a free one-year subscription to BOL.

Now for the twist: If the losing team finishes ahead of two of the three BOL staff members—Chris Walsh, T.G. Paschal and Travis Reier—in the picks, a member of that team will receive a free BOL subscription as well. So, basically, if both teams finish in the top three, one member from each will get a free year of BOL.

Here is this week’s slate of games:

LSU at Alabama
Chris Walsh, BOL: This is LSU’s season, but the bye appears to have done the Tide a world of good. If Alabama can get the passing game going, the Tigers will be in trouble because the Tide has the advantage in the running game.
Prediction: Alabama 23, LSU 17

Travis Reier, BOL: While the focus will be on the quarterbacks, Alabama will be able to run the ball against an LSU front seven that doesn’t feature the likes of Glenn Dorsey and Darry Beckwith.
Prediction: Alabama 23, LSU 14

T.G. Paschal, BOL: This game will be another tight finish in Bryant-Denny. It will be a defensive battle with the Tide winning it in the end and punching a ticket to Atlanta and a showdown with Florida.
Prediction: Alabama 17, LSU 13

JoeRio, BOL Round Table Crimson Team: The Tide has needed a week off to recharge and rehab following a grueling SEC run. Rest assured, they will be ready and take it to the Bayou Bengals in TRUE Tide fashion
Prediction: Alabama 31, LSU 10

rollers777, BOL Round Table White Team: Having an off week gave the Tide a mental and physical break, which was greatly needed after eight straight physical football games. The defense will be too much for Jordan Jefferson and Greg McElroy will get back on track with a healthy receiving corps and a fresh offensive line.
Prediction: Alabama 21, LSU 13