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Alabama/LSU Is All About The Quarterbacks

John David Mercer - USA TODAY Sports

The team with the hottest quarterback wins this contest 

Alabama/LSU, It’s All About The Quarterbacks

By: Larry Burton

Forget about who’s best, Fournette or Henry, it doesn’t make a darn. It doesn’t make a damn who’s got the best punter, field goal kicker, offensive line, defensive front or any other position.

This upcoming game where LSU comes to Tuscaloosa will be decided by one factor and one factor alone. To be as blunt as possible, it’s all about the quarterbacks. Who can sell and deliver a play action pass the best will lead the winning team. The quarterback who can stretch the field will guide the winning squad. It’s just that simple.

Alabama has a quarterback who hasn’t looked great at home so far this year and LSU has a quarterback who hasn’t been spectacular on the road in big games yet in his career. Both have had glimpses of greatness, both have been the source of scorn and ridicule with their bad plays.

Again, to put it simply, the team with the quarterback who plays the best will win this game.

Coker’s problems:

  1. Plays bad at home.
  2. Starts slow at home
  3. Can’t convert third downs
  4. Has trouble with reads when first receiver is covered
  5. Prone to throw interceptions

Coker’s strengths:

  1. The team believes in him
  2. Is resilient, can come back after a bad play and shake it off
  3. Can make plays with his legs on occasion
  4. Plays within his capabilities and doesn’t try to be more than he is
  5. Good arm strength to force in throws in tight coverage

Harris’ Weaknesses:

  1. Doesn’t play well on the road
  2. Doesn’t have a deep ball in his ability
  3. Doesn’t convert third downs well
  4. Has trouble with progressions
  5. Not much yardage per throw

Harris’ Strengths:

  1. Doesn’t turn the ball over – zero interceptions
  2. Can make plays with his legs
  3. Doesn’t force throws into tight coverage
  4. Team believes in him and plays hard for him
  5. Good production in the red zone

So the one who can play toward their strength and eliminate the most weaknesses will lead his team to victory on Saturday. After all, in this game, it’s all about the quarterbacks.

Larry has been published in almost every media outlet for college sports and now primarily writes here for Touchdown Alabama. Follow Larry on Twitter for inside thoughts and game time comments at https://twitter.com/LBSportswriter

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Larry Burton is a member of the Football Writers of America Association (FWAA) and was the most read SEC and Alabama football writer during his time at Bleacher Report. He has been credentialed by all the major bowls and the University of Alabama. Larry provides some of the best insight in the business through his "Larry's Lowdown" segment with TDA.

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