Alabama vs LSU:

When the LSU Tigers take the field against the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night, there’ll be no shortage of significant implications. Eighth-ranked Alabama is looking to secure the SEC West and book a trip to Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game. LSU comes into the contest ranked 14th and also looking to take the drivers seat in the SEC West race.

While Alabama firmly controls their own destiny in terms of college football playoff implications, LSU could potentially thrust themselves into contention as Alabama did last year finishing 5th in the final college football playoff rankings. A two-loss team has never made the 4 team playoff – but crazier things have happened in the sport & this year could be the year it happens. Another layer in the contest is the fact that it’s become an important rivalry game in which Alabama has essentially dominated during the Saban era. Alabama has won eight of the last ten matchups. However, the last four are split 2-2 including last year’s 32-31 overtime epic in which the Tigers narrowly escaped on a 2pt conversion that crushed Alabama’s national championship hopes.

That extra layer of motivation for the Tide to avenge the loss from last year, and added gumption for LSU to prove it wasn’t a fluke, makes the game that much more exciting. As always – when teams of this caliber face off – NFL prospects will be plentiful. Kool-Aid Mckinstry, Dallas Turner, JC Latham, Malik Nabers, Harold Perkins, Jayden Daniels, & other high end NFL Draft prospects need no introduction. However, there’s a few players that may never get a bigger stage than this to steal the show. Here’s the sleepers to watch for on Saturday night.

Alabama WR # 3 Jermaine Burton (6’ 195):

Jermaine Burton is a throwback WR of sorts. He’s a player with good size at 6 foot & nearly 200 pounds, but not an adonis by any means. He doesn’t appear to be a sub 4.44 40 guy – but he’s fast enough to run by you. You’re never wowed by his route running ability, but you can see the attention to detail and technique shine through. Simply put, he’s what the kids call a “DAWG.” He’s talented, but he’s not supremely talented. He has that inner belief and you see it pouring out of him when he plays (almost too much at times). With 23 catches, 508 yards, 5 touchdowns, & 22.1 yards per reception, Burton has made his name making impact plays and winning 50/50 balls. There’s no bigger stage right now for him to stamp his legitimacy as a next level prospect.

Alabama DL # 92 Justin Eboigbe (6’5 292):

Eboigbe is an uncomplicated evaluation. He has prototype size at 6’5 292, Nick Saban’s stamp of approval, & he’s finally healthy. Until this season, Eboigbe has been either been behind future NFL standouts – or more commonly – injured. At a school like Alabama, you’d be hard pressed to fight your way back from significant injuries and earn your way back on the field, but that’s exactly what he’s done. In this transfer portal and NIL world, it speaks to his character that he stayed patient and trusted the process. As a next level talent, he’ll be know for his ability as a run stopper. He plays with great technique and leverage for a bigger framed guy. His pass rush ability has improved and if he continues his trajectory, he could develop into a prospect with good NFL value. His production has skyrocketed. Through 8 games, he has 38 tackles, 5.5 TFL’s, 3 sacks, & a PBU. While Alabama’s defensive line is littered with talent, but don’t be surprised if Eboigbe catches your eye Saturday night.

LSU RB Logan Diggs # 3 (6’1 215):

At 6’1 215, Notre Dame transfer Logan Diggs is a larger than normal running back. In this draft, there’s a handful of prospects that have this unique size and skill set. While Diggs isn’t figured to be an early round pick, teams that have a need for a bruiser and tough runner that may miss out on those aforementioned players with similar skillsets could certainly fall in love with his mid to late round prospectus. On 105 attempts Diggs has accumulated 611 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. For his size, the 5.8 yards per attempt is especially impressive. He’s not the greatest receiving threat only having 8 catches on the year, but that’s why he could be a potential threat in the screen game or via gadget play. No greater opportunity than against this vaunted Alabama defense to launch his name into the draft discussion.

Other prospects to watch:
Alabama DB Jaylen Key
Alabama TE CJ Dippre
Alabama RB Roydell Williams
LSU LB Greg Penn III
LSU DB Zy Alexander
LSU OL Miles Frazier