We just thought the stakes were high for this game, which is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., on Saturday, November 9th, 2019.

The brand-new Associated Press poll just raised the stakes and expectations of this game even higher.

Not these two teams needed any more of a reason to go to war in Tuscaloosa on Saturday inside Bryant-Denny.

So many people are questioning the AP’s decision to have the Bengal Tigers from Bayou jump the Crimson Tide of Alabama in the latest poll.

But personally, I understand it. Yes, I know Alabama completely obliterated a sub-par Arkansas team, who is now (2-6) on the season. Yes, I know LSU’s struggled to squeak past an Auburn that was ranked No. 9 at the time, and is now ranked No. 11.

I think when you look at those matchups both on paper and on-field, LSU definitely had the better opponent.

In no way, am I taking anything away from Alabama, but, LSU had the more physical opponent. Sure, Alabama’s performance was dominant, but look their opponent and then come to me.

Y’all get ready for a knock-down, drag-out dogfight November 9th in Tuscaloosa. The stakes were just lifted.