Peterson looks forward to rematch with Jones

• By RANDY ROSETTA
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Nov 5, 2009

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Right there in high-definition, LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson can watch it as much as he wants to, over and over.

The Tigers against Alabama in overtime last season.

LSU desperately trying to keep the Crimson Tide from getting close enough to score after the Tigers squandered their chance with the opening possession of overtime.

Bama freshman wide receiver Julio Jones lining up wide left and running a sideline fade, designed for quarterback John Parker Wilson to deliver it on his back shoulder.

Peterson drawing the coverage and matching Jones step-for-step, leaping in unison and getting a hand in Jones’ face. Doing everything he could to not let the ball arrive safely.

Jones snatching the ball out of the air and just out of Peterson’s reach for a 24-yard gain to the 1-yard-line.

Two plays later, Wilson sneaking in for the game-winning touchdown that saved the No. 1 Tide from an upset and puncturing LSU’s chance for a season-salvaging victory.

“It still plays in my head to this day,” Peterson said. “Every day, every single time I go on the field, I think about it.”

The time for reliving the play is about to end.

Because when the ninth-ranked Tigers (7-1, 4-1 Southeastern Conference) and No. 3 Alabama (8-0, 5-0) collide at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, there may not be a more marquee matchup than Jones vs. Peterson, man-to-man.

Looking at the Alabama offensive statistics, that might not seem likely.

Jones has only 20 receptions this season for 229 yards and one touchdown. The dynamic 6-foot-4, 211-pounder missed one game because of suspension, another to injury and wasn’t at full speed in two others.

Two weeks ago was the first time he played pain-free, followed by an open week.