Alabama LSU game illustrates extreme importance of Special Teams

November 3, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back T.J. Yeldon (4) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-US PRESSWIRE

I’ve been preaching this all year, but everything has come full circle tonight. Offense wins games, and defense wins championships, but you can’t do either without good special teams. This Alabama LSU game proved that.

LSU’s defense was so good it held Alabama’s offense to just 36 combined rushing and passing attempts, ONE FIRST DOWN CONVERSION on nine attempts, and  331 total yards. Oh yeah, that defense forced two turnovers, too.

LSU’s offense was so good it converted half of its 20 first down attempts, gained 435 total yards of offense and held the ball for almost twice as long as Alabama did.

LSU lost.

The media will trip all over itself trying to figure out how. I can see it now, and I’ve already seen Lou Holtz and Mark May try to figure it out…

Oh, less Miles failed on all of his crazy play calls, Bama’s quarterback was just that much more clutch than LSU’s, the defense, the offensive line, the defensive line, the…

Stop it.

The Tigers missed two field goals, and botched an on sides kick. They averaged less than 20 yards per kick return and less than six yards per punt return (Brad Wing had another incredible night punting the ball, though).

Alabama was spotless on special teams.

That’s why they won the game.