LSU vs. Alabama game could be hit by Tropical Storm Rafael – 710 KEEL Radio News

This year’s LSU vs. Alabama game doesn’t carry the scale that some previous games have, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a huge game. Instead of being a “Game of the Century” type matchup, with undefeated teams going at it, this is essentially an elimination game.

With the new 12-team College Football Playoff, both teams are still alive for a National Championship. But with both teams already on 2 losses, a third loss likely knocks them out of playoff contention.

So the drama will still be high… and now it looks like Mother Nature wants a good spot.

There is currently a tropical system facing the Gulf of Mexico. It’s called Tropical Storm Rafael and it formed in the Caribbean. Although it is currently far from Baton Rouge, models and forecasts suggest that this storm will reach the Gulf and turn toward the coastline.

Now, the exact location of landfall in the US is days away from being accurately predicted, but the “cone of uncertainty” currently puts Louisiana in the way.

The storm is not expected to be a massive, devastating hurricane when it makes landfall. Although it could reach hurricane force in the Persian Gulf. But even a tropical storm can make for tough conditions at Tiger Stadium. Strong winds and torrential rain are still likely in tropical storm conditions, not to mention lightning that can shut down outdoor play very quickly.

In addition to concerns about game conditions, ESPN plans to bring its College GameDay show to Baton Rouge for the game. The show is traditionally held outside with thousands of students and fans. The entry of a tropical storm could change those plans.

Right now there is no room for panic. This is all just forecast and the storm could completely hook east and hit Alabama or Florida. It’s a November storm in the Persian Gulf, as unpredictable as LSU vs. Alabama in Death Valley.