The lights will be bright in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night with the stakes high. And for LSU, this one is about survival to the end of the season.
After a humbling home loss to Texas A&M and the firing of Brian Kelly, interim coach Frank Wilson faces the impossible task of steadying the Tigers against a surging 4th-ranked Alabama team that hasn’t lost since opening the season against Florida State.
The Crimson Tide have reeled off seven straight wins behind quarterback Ty Simpson, who’s emerged as one of the nation’s most efficient passers. Alabama's Heisman Trophy hopeful has kept the Tide firmly in the College Football Playoff mix, while LSU’s postseason hopes hang by a thread at 5-3 in on season.
This game might come down to a battle in the trenches. LSU’s offensive line ranks 94th nationally in pass-blocking, and trending to a worse each week. Tigers QB Garrett Nussmeier has flashed talent but struggles under pressure, and Alabama’s opportunistic front could feast on that weakness. Tight end Trey’Dez Green could be LSU’s X-factor against Alabama’s linebackers.
On the other side of the ball, LSU’s secondary, led by Mansore Delane and AJ Haulcy, gives the Tigers a fighting chance. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s disguised blitzes have forced mistakes all season. If they rattle Simpson early, the Tide could be forced into uncomfortable spots at home trying to hang on to the winning streak. For the Tide, it’s all about rhythm and protecting Simpson long enough to find downfield mismatches.
Alabama owns the edge in depth and momentum. LSU brings raw emotion and one last chance to spoil a rival’s playoff path while rebuilding from Kelly's dismissal.
No. 4 Alabama hosts LSU on Saturday night (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
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