Each Friday during college football season, the experts at Recruiting Nation will weigh in on the probable destinations of the nation's top prospects. The week's best game takes place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where No. 1 Alabama visits LSU. Not surprisingly, these SEC heavyweights are locked in a few big-time recruiting battles.
Here's our Week 10 predictions, focused on the best Tide-Tigers battles:
Phidarian Mathis | DT, 6-4, 287, Monroe, Louisiana/Neville, ESPN 300 No. 20
Prediction: LSU
Confidence level: 60 percent
Toughest competition: Alabama
Others in the mix: Miami
While some other schools will receive mention and possibly official visits, Mathis' recruitment will come down to Alabama vs. LSU. Alabama has had a lot of success along I-20 in North Louisiana with Cam Robinson, Hootie Jones and Cameron Sims in recent classes, but Mathis was a teammate of LSU freshman defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence. The coaching unknown in Baton Rouge vs. the stability and success in Tuscaloosa is an ideal situation for Nick Saban to overcome the home-state favorite. Mathis was at Alabama for the Texas A&M game, and he is scheduled to be in Baton Rouge this weekend. -- Gerry Hamilton
JaCoby Stevens | S, 6-2, 200, Murfreesboro, Tennessee/Oakland, ESPN 300 No. 26
Prediction: LSU
Confidence level: 60 percent
Toughest competition: Alabama
Others in the mix: Georgia
With the uncertainty in Baton Rouge, the LSU commit will make official visits to Alabama and Georgia. The Under Armour All-America safety was a top target of both LSU and Alabama, with his ties to the Pelican State winning out. Alabama has never given up, and Stevens will be in the stands on Saturday for the SEC West showdown. The next head-coaching hire at LSU, along with the defensive staff, will be keys for the Tigers and the competition that hopes to flip the talented playmaker. -- Hamilton
Todd Harris | S, 6-0, 180, Plaquemine (Louisiana) High School, ESPN 300 No. 81
Prediction: LSU
Confidence level: 80 percent
Toughest competition: Alabama
Others in the mix: Ole Miss
LSU took a while to offer the talented safety, but once the Tigers did, they jumped to the top of Harris' list. While it remains to be seen just how much the loss of Les Miles truly impacts Harris, a big win over Alabama on Saturday would certainly give Ed Orgeron a leg up on the coaching hunt for LSU and give a boost to recruiting. Harris will be on hand to see his two top schools, and this game could go a long way in his recruitment. -- Derek Tyson
Devonta Smith | WR, 6-1, 160, Amite (Louisiana) High School ESPN 300 No. 225
Prediction: Alabama
Confidence level: 70 percent
Toughest competition: LSU
Others in the mix: Miami
The four-star wide receiver took unofficial visits to Alabama in August, September and October, and the Crimson Tide appear to have a serious lead. Smith also visited Miami this season, as well as LSU on Oct. 22. The Tigers, however, appear to be making up ground. A big win at home would certainly boost LSU's chances. A loss, however, could give Alabama complete control. -- Tyson
Justin Thomas | DE, 6-4, 255, Spanish Fort, Alabama/Spanish Fort, ESPN three-star recruit
Prediction: LSU
Confidence level: 60 percent
Toughest competition: Alabama
Others in the mix: Florida State, Georgia and Auburn
Nick Saban doesn't like to let an in-state prospect go to LSU, and this is especially true for defensive linemen. Thomas is committed to the Tigers, and he's a prospect to watch in the next month. He's set to be a January enrollee at the school of his choice. If Alabama rolls out the red carpet for the in-state prospect, LSU could be in trouble with the uncertainty in Baton Rouge combined with the timing of being a spring enrollee. -- Hamilton