The time has come for the annual LSU vs. Alabama clash in the first weekend of November. Like last year’s game, this matchup between the Tigers and the Crimson Tide could very well decide who the winner of the SEC West division winner will be. Now, Ole Miss is still in the mix depending on how they fare the rest of the way, but the winner of the LSU vs. Alabama game would be in the driver’s seat as long as they take care of business the rest of the season. For one last time as SEC West foes before the conference goes away with the divisions when Texas and Oklahoma join the conference, Alabama and LSU are set to face off in a primetime matchup in Bryant Denny Stadium on Saturday night.
LSU Will Need Its Best Effort to Knock Off Alabama
LSU QB Jayden Daniels (5) – LSU Athletics
It is never easy to walk into Bryant Denny Stadium and come out of there with a win. In the past decade, LSU has only been able to do it once and that was in 2019. The Tigers come into this matchup with one of the top offenses in college football. Quarterback Jayden Daniels finds himself in the Heisman discussion and if the Tigers were able to come away with a victory, he would definitely start to be in the discussion to be the favorite moving forward.
LSU’s offense will get its toughest challenge of the season outside of the Florida State game going up against one of the best defenses in the SEC. In last year’s matchup, someone was able to step up in the clutch and that was tight end Mason Taylor. LSU will need someone on the offensive side of the ball to produce big-time whether that be one of LSU’s top wide receivers or running back Logan Diggs.
On the opposite side of the ball, LSU is dealing with some injuries heading into the matchup against Alabama. On the defensive line, the Tigers will be without Mekhi Wingo. Brian Kelly said that Wingo was going to be out for six weeks in his press conference on Monday. Other notable defensive stars will be out in the secondary. Cornerbacks Zy Alexander, Duce Chestnut, and Denver Harris are all unavailable for Saturday’s game against the Crimson Tide.
LSU’s defense has shown improvement over the last few weeks, but they will face an uphill battle on Saturday night without some of their key starters. Freshman will be getting their opportunity to get the start in a hostile environment. If LSU’s defense is unable to have any answers for Jalen Milroe and company, the Tigers could be in for a long night on Saturday against Alabama.
Know Your Foe: Alabama
Alabama DB Malachi Moore (13) – Vasha Hunt/AP Photo
Alabama still controls their destiny for the SEC West and the College Football Playoff. In Tuesday’s first College Football Playoff rankings, the Crimson Tide checked in at the No. 8 spot. Even with the early loss to Texas in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide still have everything right in front of them. Like LSU, Alabama was able to spend their bye week getting rested and prepared for their clash against LSU.
The last time we saw Alabama take the field was in a 34-20 victory over Tennessee. Tennessee held a 20-7 lead over Alabama, but the Crimson Tide stormed back in the second half as they went on a 27-0 run. Alabama has had its struggles against teams including South Florida and Arkansas. They were able to hold on to win both of those games but didn’t look pretty in doing so.
The Alabama offense is led by quarterback Jalen Milroe. Milroe in the last few weeks has been assigned to pass more, but he still has the ability to beat you with his legs. Outside of Milroe, the Crimson Tide offense is led by running back Jase McClellan. At the wide receiver spot, Jacorey Brooks, Isaiah Bond, and Jermaine Burton are the core wideouts for Alabama. What has been hurting Alabama’s offense is the struggles of the offensive line so far this season.
On the other side of the ball, there is a lot to like about the Crimson Tide defense. LSU will have its challenges with one of the best-run defenses in the country. Alabama’s defense is allowing 16.5 points per game, which ranks them 16th overall in FBS. Freshman Caleb Down has made an instant impact for the Crimson Tide secondary along with the veteran Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Prediction: Alabama 34, LSU 30
