One week after their stellar performance against the #22 Auburn Tigers in the 85th Annual Iron Bowl, the #1 Alabama Crimson Tide are looking to get revenge on another opponent from last season. This Saturday, Alabama will travel to Baton Route to take on the defending National Champions in the LSU Tigers. The Tide (8-0) are very much looking like the number one team in the nation while the Tigers are struggling significantly in every phase of the game. Alabama is a 29.5-points favorite. That makes LSU one of the biggest underdogs as a defending champion in the last 40 years. Last season, Alabama lost to LSU and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow with a 46-41 score. Alabama is looking to win their ninth matchup versus LSU in ten seasons.
Alabama A Huge Favorite Over LSU
Tide’s Passing Game Will Be Too Much For LSU’s Defense
Before the season, Alabama’s passing offense and LSU’s passing defense were expected to be some of the most efficient units in the nation. Currently, the Tide’s offense ranks third in the nation in points per game (48.5) and fourth in passing yards per game (347.5). Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith are the most explosive quarterback-receiver duo in the nation. The Tigers, on the other hand, are one of the biggest disappointments in the 2020 College Football season. Their defense ranks 73rd in the nation(ninth in the SEC) in points allowed per game (30.3). Even with cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., the Tigers have one of the worst passing defenses in the nation. They rank 120th in the nation (13th in the SEC) in passing yards allowed per game (287).
Alabama will go into this matchup with head coach Nick Saban back on the sidelines. Last week against the #22 Auburn Tigers, Tide offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian took over as interim head coach. He will be back controlling his offense only, which will give Jones and the rest of the Tide’s passing offense more chances to make big plays. The Tigers have given up 15 passing touchdowns this season. Stingley versus Smith will be a matchup between two high-caliber and future potential NFL starters. Jones will have to be smart and accurate with the ball against Stingley throw to his many other talented receivers to get an edge against this shaky defense.
Alabama Prepares For Hungry But Inconsistent Tigers’ Offense
The loss of offensive coordinator Matt Rhule, and Burrow has been difficult for the Tigers this season. They are on their third quarterback in true freshman TJ Finley, who has shown potential but has made mistakes. Alabama’s defense is much more efficient in the past three games than earlier in the season. In the first five games of the season, Alabama has allowed an average of 26.4 points per game. In the previous three games, however, they have allowed an average of 6.6 points per game. They have faced different schemes in the previous three games, which makes them ready for whatever the Tigers will have planned. The Tigers average 30.4 points per game, which is 55th in the nation and sixth in the SEC.
Both middle linebackers in Christian Harris and Dylan Moses are playing like All-Americans. Both players combine for 109 total tackles, 73 solo tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and three pass deflections. Slot cornerback Malachi Moore and cornerback Josh Jobe both have six pass deflections each. Patrick Surtain II continues to be one of the most efficient lockdown cornerbacks in the nation. The offensive line for the Tigers have allowed 17 sacks in seven games. This will be a game where Alabama’s defense can stop any sign of offensive productivity by making plays in the backfield. Defensive end Christian Barmore and outside linebacker Christopher Allen have been becoming consistent in their pass over the last few weeks.
