For the past five years, LSU has not won against Alabama. The Tide have taken advantage of the Tigers ever since the 9-6 overtime loss to LSU in 2011. All of that could change this Saturday.
Time to End the Drought: LSU-Alabama Preview
LSU is playing the best it’s played all season which could be their advantage in this rivalry matchup. Ever since Les Miles was fired in September, the Tigers have won every game following his departure. Interim coach Ed Orgeron has his team in a great spot heading down the stretch. The Tigers are ranked #13 in the country and are comfortably sitting at 5-2, with just one conference loss. A win on Saturday would be a milestone step towards their finish this season. An SEC Championship berth could be at stake with this game. Here are the keys to the game for each team:
Keys to victory for LSU:
- Offense has to be in check- The LSU offense has been consistent the past three games. With Orgeron the new head man, the Tigers are clicking on all cylinders. Setting the school record for most yards in a conference game was big. Piling on the wins has been even bigger. Last Saturday against Ole Miss, Leonard Fournette came out of the tunnel ready to shred the defense. He needs to come out in the same manner this weekend if his team has a chance to pull the upset.
- Danny Etling has to be mentally ready- Etling has emerged as the starting quarterback for LSU, and he has done a phenomenal job so far. Through his four games played, Etling has proved to Tiger nation that this offense can find their spark. They have done just that and much more. As for Etling, he has to be mentally prepared for an Alabama defense that will bring the blitz on every play. If he can connect on throws and avoid pressure, the Tigers could notch a win.
- Defense has to step up- Through the season, the LSU defense has been up and down overall. Some games they play lockdown defense, and in other cases they play somewhat of a good game. The entire defensive group will have to be on their heels and force interceptions, and get pressure on the quarterback to allow their offense to come out and find a way to the endzone.
Keys to victory for Alabama:
- Jalen Hurts has to play his best game yet- Hurts emerged as the starter for Alabama in week 2 of the season. He has predominantly become one of the top QBs in the nation. Hurts can shred a defense by his ability to throw and run. Ask Tennessee, Texas A&M, and everyone else Bama has played. For Bama to remain undefeated, he has to have his best game yet.
- Running game has to be effective- Alabama’s running game hasn’t shown to be the best in the country like past years. Relying on their quarterback and their defense has got them wins, but it won’t be enough this time. Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris both have to be effective for Bama to leave with a win.
- Defense has to pressure LSU- Alabama has the top defense in the country. Last season, they held Fournette to just 31 yards. That resulted in a 30-16 Crimson Tide win. To repeat those stats, the Tide defense will have to get to Etling and LSU’s ballcarriers. Giving up big plays could hurt the defense. Also, Eddie Jackson is out for the season, and backups will have to play their best game to go home with a win over a hated rival.
Main Photo:
