ESPN GameDay analysts break down Alabama-LSU by quarterback, wide receiver position

There’s a likelihood to be plenty of points as No. 1 LSU takes on No. 2 Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Saturday. Joe Burrow has been putting up video-game-like numbers for the Tigers behind center this season, while Alabama’s wide receiving corps ranks among the best in the country, if not the best, while possessing a star of their own at quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa.

But how do the teams stack up at those spots head-to-head? ESPN analysts Desmond Howard and David Pollack discussed just that on “College Football Live” on Friday. (With “College GameDay” set to broadcast from Tuscaloosa on Saturday morning, the analysts appeared on “College Football Live” on UA campus Friday.)

Desmond Howard was first, and picked LSU to have the edge at quarterback.

“I think Joe Burrow…he has a better ranking in passes outside the numbers…passes against pressure, against the blitz, so I think right now I’d have to go with Joe Burrow.”

Pollack concurred. “Did (Burrow) have ankle surgery anytime recently? He’s completely healthy, obviously with Tua being banged up.”

Wide receivers were next, and Howard picked Alabama. “They have bonafide superstars playing wideout. Keep an eye on Jalen Waddle; that guy is a game-changer.”

Again, Pollack agreed: “Three-for-three, LSU and Alabama are extremely comparable. Waddle makes a big difference being a game buster as a No. 4 wide receiver.”

Who has the edge @lsufootball or @AlabamaFTBL the guys debate each position group @DesmondHoward @davidpollack47 pic.twitter.com/100XUXzqXi

— Maria Taylor (@MariaTaylor) November 9, 2019

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.