Whether you’re cheering “Geaux Tigers!” or “Roll Tide!” come this Monday night, the question of who takes the Bowl Championship Series title of National Champion will soon be answered.

Not only is this game a hot topic around the nation, it’s especially so in St. Clair County. Several local residents have offered their National Championship predictions, including Sarah Stewart, tennis professional for the Pell City Civic Center, who is a huge Louisiana State University fan.

“They certainly have the two best teams playing,” she said.  “People keep saying that it’s not going to be the same game as before. I know Alabama’s coming after us.”

Stewart attended LSU and played collegiate tennis for her alma mater.

“Everybody says a lot more points will be scored this time. We’ll see Jan. 9. All I can say is, ‘Geaux Tigers,”” she added.

Chris Foshee, an Odenville native who is a former defensive end, nose guard, linebacker and tight end for the St. Clair Saints and big Alabama fan said, “I think it is going to be another physical and great game. These are the two best two teams in the nation, and I think they will prove that come game time.”

As for who will, win Foshee said, “I actually give Alabama a slight advantage. I think they are a better team because they lost to LSU earlier in the season. They know what mistakes they made, and I think the Alabama coaching staff will make the corrections and make sure they don’t happen again.”

In regard to what he’s looking forward to in the rematch he said, “The key match up will be for Alabama’s receivers. They have a really good chance to come out and make an impact early in this game. LSU has the best secondary in the game, maybe one of the best of all-time, and the pressure is on this Alabama passing game. They can’t rely on Richardson to carry the load the entire game, because LSU proved that their front seven can match up with Bama.”

Michael Mee, general manager and news editor for the St. Clair News-Aegis, is a die-hard Auburn fan and said no matter which team wins, he’ll be happy.

“It would be great on many levels to have back-to-back-to-back national champions from this state. At the same time, if the Tigers win, I still get to make fun of my Bama friends and family who root for the Tide. It’d be nice to be able to chide them since Bama won the Iron Bowl.”

Looking at the game from a coach’s perspective, Mee added, “I know Nick Saban doesn’t like to lose twice to a team.”

As for Mee’s prediction, he said, “Trent Richardson is a powerhouse, but I’m not going to be rooting for the Tide. The Tigers have a phenomenal defense, and that’s their leverage point in my opinion. So I say LSU wins by at least four points, because Bama’s kicker will have gotten better, I’m sure, and can lessen the point spread.”

EJ Vernon, reporter for the News-Aegis and Crimson Tide alumna, anticipates the rematch, saying she is not ashamed to admit her bias in favor of the Tide.

“Last time the Tide faced the Tigers, they fought tooth and nail before losing in overtime. LSU is a strong team, but I don’t think Nick Saban will tolerate a second defeat. Any time Saban and his team go up for a rematch, they play stronger, putting more fight and heart into the game. Roll Tide!”

Stan J. Griffin, a Tuscaloosa native and longtime St. Clair County sports writer, looks forward to the Crimson Tide clinching its fourteenth national title on Jan. 9.

“I think the game will be tight for three quarters, but I think a late TD on the ground by Alabama puts the game out of reach, and I think the Tide wins 20-10,” he said.

Citing tailback Trent Richardson and linebacker Dont’a Hightower as his favorite current Crimson Tide players, Griffin said, “They have pretty much been the heart of this year’s team more than any other, and it will be nice to see them end their careers with another championship ring.”

Laura McClendon, Margaret Elementary School art teacher and LSU graduate, loves her Tigers.

“LSU has proven they don’t quit,” she said.  “Getting behind just drives them to fight harder. My prediction, it may come down to the kickers again.  Other than that, my only prediction is it will be a terrific game! And I will wear my purple and gold with pride no matter the outcome. I just hope I can wear a National Championship t-shirt to school. Geaux Tigers!”

With the adrenaline pumping and the roar of the crowd echoing throughout the Mercedes Benz Superdome, fans that bleed purple and gold or Crimson are in for the game they’ve been wishing for—the game of the century.