Vlachos Doesn’t Expect Big Score

This is not the same as 2009 when Alabama defeated Texas in the Rose Bowl at Pasadena for the BCS National Championship. Monday night Bama will be in more familiar territory against a very familiar opponent.

Alabama center William Vlachos said, “Playing in the national championship game two years ago, we really had no idea of the opponent, Texas, because we really can’t gauge on film what they’re really like because they don’t play the same people we play. So with an opponent you’re so familiar with, you know their scheme inside and out.”

On Monday night, Vlachos and his Crimson Tide teammates will take on the LSU Tigers in the BCS National Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m. CST with ESPN televising the game. LSU is 13-0 and ranked first in the nation, Alabama 11-1 and ranked second.

As everyone knows, Alabama and LSU have played once this season, the Tigers taking a 9-6 overtime victory two months ago. Additionally, Bama and the Tigers are in the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference and play one another every season.

“I think it gets a little monotonous to get ready,” Vlachos said, “but it’s a great opportunity to be able to refine the game plan.”

Alabama will have had some six weeks between its 42-14 romp over Auburn to end the regular season and the BCS National Championship Game.

Vlachos thought the first meeting between the Tide and LSU “was old school.” He said, “I’m sure people enjoyed watching West Virginia put up 70 points in a game [the Orange Bowl in a romp over Clemson]. I’m sure it was entertaining. I know I was entertained by it.

“But when you look at the core of football, you look at blocking, you look at tackling, you look at rushing the ball, great defense, special teams play, all that type stuff.

“I think [the first 2011 meeting of Alabama and LSU] incorporated it all at a very high level. Even though there weren’t many points scored, you’re dealing with probably the two best defenses in college football in that game.

“The two offenses are also very good, but the defenses won out. We weren’t able to put the ball in the end zone.

“I think a true football fan would really have enjoyed that game.”

The 6-1, 294-pound senior center from Mountain Brook, said he didn’t think anyone should expect a West Virginia-type game in the SEC because defensive linemen are so strong. Vlachos earned All-SEC this year working against those defensive linemen.