Alabama Vs. LSU: By The Numbers

SB Nation’s And The Valley Shook breaks down statistical advantages for the upcoming Alabama-LSU game:

On third downs, LSU is the better short-yardage rushing offense, but Alabama is the better short-yardage rushing defense. The Tigers average 3.53 yards per carry in third and 3 yards or less, and converts for the first 61 percent of the time. Bama, on the other hand, averages 2.95 yards per carry and converts 44 percent of the time. But the Tide defense has allowed just seven conversions in 19 third and 3 or less attempts (37 percent). LSU has allowed 14 conversions in 23 attempts - 61 percent. Bama allows 2.4 ypc on third and short, LSU 3.7.
LSU has been better at stopping opposing running games early, but Bama has been better at stopping them late. The Tigers allow just 2.9 yards per carry in the first half, but that average increases to 4.5 in the second half (though I would love to know what effect Cam Newton has had on those numbers). Bama allows 4.5 yards per rush in the first half, but that average drops to 3.07 in the second half.