Why Alabama/LSU is an interesting game for Bengals fans

One of the most interesting games of the season for fans of the Cincinnati Bengals might not be a Bengals game at all. Here is why Saturday’s matchup between Alabama and LSU  could be worth a watch for the frustrated fan base.

With the benching of Andy Dalton, The long term quarterback picture is murky for the Bengals. Ryan Finley has been named the starter for the foreseeable future, but he is certainly not a lock to be the franchise quarterback Cincinnati desperately needs.

Of course, that could all change as the season progresses. It is not impossible for the Bengals fourth round pick to come out and set the offense on fire. Middle round draft picks can surprise us all from time to time. However, it is unlikely that Finley will be anything more than a fully capable backup.  Even so, he does deserve a chance to show what he can do.

The Bengals will definitely be looking at the 2020 NFL Draft to find players to bring this team back to respectability. If the Bengals end up with either the first or second pick and Finley doesn’t surprise, quarterback is likely to be priority number one.

That is what makes Saturday’s game so watch worthy for anyone with an interest in the Bengals. The Alabama Crimson Tide and Tigers of LSU match up in what should be a college football classic.  This should matter to Bengals fans because also be a matchup between arguably the top two quarterback prospects in this spring’s draft, Tua Tagovailoa of Alabama and Joe Burrow of LSU.

Joe Burrow

Burrow has been a fast riser this season , skyrocketing up the media’s draft boards. He redshirted at Ohio State only to transfer to LSU after losing  a starting competition to Dwayne Haskins. He went on to earn the starting spot for the Tigers and had a decent 2018 posting 16 touchdowns against 5 interceptions and nearly 3,000 yards passing.

Burrow has been on fire this season. He is already nearing 3,000 yards passing while throwing 30 touchdowns to just four interceptions. His completion percentage is over 78%, much improved from his 57.8% mark last year. Alabama will certainly be his biggest test. if Burrow can have a big day, he could cement his spot as the number one quarterback in April.

Tua Tagovailoa

Tua Tagovailoa made his name on the biggest stage in college football. He led the Crimson Tide to a win in the National Championship game as a freshman. He followed that up with 3,966 yards passing and 43 touchdowns against only 6 interceptions. Tagovailoa has had a fine junior season with 2166 yards and 27 touchdowns so far.

Unfortunately, the Alabama signal caller has been battling some injuries and isn’t a lock to play against LSU. Even if he does, he may not be 100%. However, if he does play and play well, he could win scouts over even more with his toughness and leadership to go along with his talent.

Conclusion

There is still uncertainty on Tagovailoa and his game time status. However, if he is able to play. this could be a fascinating game for Bengals fans, especially the ones hoping for a new face of the franchise at quarterback. Both players should have bright futures at the next level and one of them may well end up in stripes.