
Let's keep it short and sweet. My prediction: the Tide win 24-17. Richardson throttles the ballyhooed Bayou Bengal defense, rendering the Honey Badger, high on synthetic weed, toothless and ineffective. Still sore from the Heisman snub, TR powers and jukes his way to 101 yards on the ground, a few in the air, and one touchdown. Bama signal-caller AJ McCarron finally emerges as more than a mere game manager/system quarterback and throws for another, to one of the tight ends or to any of the perpetually underperforming receivers (so hard to follow Julio Jones, but look out for Chis Carter's kid next year). The Bama D, historically dominant but forgotten due to the sole loss in the previous matchup with LSU, scores another 6. The kicker(s), dogs of the first game, punch in another 3. Bama will hoist the crystal trophy. Saban may just crack smile. Bourbon street will be awash in a Crimson Tide. Roll Tide!