Head-to-head history
Bama has the upper hand in this matchup since they played against one another for the first time in 1895. The Tide are 56-27-5 against LSU and have a 29-10-3 record when playing in Baton Rouge. Alabama beat the Tigers last season but in 2022, LSU managed to grab a win, their first on home soil against the Tide in 12 years.
Can Bama get it done?
It’s been an up-and-down season for the No. 11 ranked Tide. In the first CFP rankings of the campaign, Bama just snuck into the top-12 and would be in the expanded playoff if things started today. But, they must keep winning because, at 6-2, The Tide cannot afford any more losses. Kalen DeBoer’s team did show well against Missouri though, putting their brilliance on full display on both ends of the field.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe completed 16 of 26 passes for 215 yards while also running for 50 yards and a touchdown. It was the running back room that shined, accounting for all of their touchdowns. Justice Haynes ran for a whopping 9.9 yards per carry. Bama outgained the Tigers 486-239 and forced three turnovers. In fact, that’s going to be a key factor on Saturday. LSU does have trouble keeping the football at times and if Bama’s stingy defense can put them under pressure and force mistakes, it could be the difference-maker.
When it comes to the ground game, it’ll be a key component for the Tide. But, getting it going downfield will be important as well because LSU’s pass defense isn’t great by any means. If Bama runs the ball well and can force turnovers, a win should be secured. The visitors are a 3-point favorite at Sports Interaction.
LSU needs to bring their best
Consistency has been an issue for the mighty Tigers as well. Boasting a 6-2 record, their two defeats came against the now-struggling USC Trojans and Texas A&M. As previously mentioned, turnovers are a major problem. They had three against the Aggies and it hurt them in the end. In four of the last six contests, they’ve given up the football more than once in each game.
While Garrett Nussmeier threw for 405 yards in Week 9, he completed just 25 of 50 passes and was picked off three times. LSU actually outgained Texas A&M but made far too many mishaps. But, their run game was almost non-existent, rushing for just 24 yards. It was all pass offense. To be honest, that’s been their strength all season, ranking 7th in the nation in passing yards but 213th in rushing. Bama’s pass defense is top-100 in the country.
Everyone is expecting lots of points on Saturday night. That being said, LSU’s run defense and Nussmeier’s ability to take care of the football will be absolutely crucial. Having the home crowd in Death Valley on their side should definitely help keep this one close. That’s why the No. 14 ranked Tigers are barely an underdog at online betting sites.
