This week’s LSU vs Alabama game is a big one in the SEC. The Tigers enter the game at 6-2. The setbacks came in the opener against Florida State and then a 40-13 defeat at the hands of now No. 1 Tennessee. The LSU-Alabama rivalry is one of the best in all of college football. Sitting at No.10 in the College Football Playoff rankings, the Bayou Bengals welcome No. 6 Alabama to town. The Crimson Tide enter the game at 7-1, with their only loss coming to Tennessee. While the Tigers have a new coach, Brian Kelly is no stranger to facing Nick Saban.
LSU vs Alabama Preview
Kelly has faced Saban before. While at Notre Dame, his Irish played Alabama in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game and then twice in the College Football Playoff. But, the talent level Kelly has now is different. LSU is coming off a dominant 45-20 win over No. 11 Ole Miss. That win set up the Tigers to potentially be in the driver’s seat in the SEC West. The program’s next challenge: defeat the Crimson Tide. Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels has put the country on notice. He has played better with each game in 2022. Aside from the Tennessee loss, LSU’s entire offense has started to put the pieces together. For the season, Daniels has passed for 1,812 yards with 12 touchdowns to one interception. He also leads the team in rushing with 524 yards and nine scores.
Keys For The LSU Offense
While Daniels has been the star, the running backs situation continues to sneakily get better. Facing Alabama, the Tigers will have to run the ball well. John Emery Jr. is back this week and Armoni Goodwin has shown that he is capable of being the team’s top tailback. Coming into the game, LSU averages 183.3 rushing yards per game. The Crimson Tide allow only 93.9 rushing yards per game.
If the LSU offense is going to hang with the Tide, Daniels has to have time in the pocket. The offensive line has played well as of late, and the unit knows what lies ahead this week. Bama has a solid defensive front led by linebacker Will Anderson. Brian Branch has two sacks on the season. But, LSU’s play calling has been great this season.
One area to watch on offense is on the outside. Alabama was exposed in its 52-49 loss at Tennessee. If the Tigers are going to electrify the crowd, going over the top to Kayshon Boutte and Malik Nabers just might be the game plan. Hybrid receiver/tight end Jack Bech returns as well which gives the offense another weapon. Of note, Jaray Jenkins and Brian Thomas Jr. have seen significant targets in 2022. Former Louisiana transfer Kyren Lacy has also stepped up at wideout with 15 catches for 143 yards.
How the LSU Defense Contains Alabama
Bryce Young and Jahmyr Gibbs have been efficient for the Tide in 2022. Young was a pre-season Heisman Trophy favorite after winning it last year. However, his hype for that award has dwindled due to missing a game and not playing as efficient after the start of the season. But, Young has the playmaking capability to lead Bama into Tiger Stadium and get a win. Bama’s star signal-caller has thrown for 1,906 yards with 18 touchdowns and three interceptions.
For the LSU defense, winning the line of scrimmage is a must this Saturday. This LSU vs Alabama game will likely be a close one, though oddsmakers have Alabama as a -13.5 point favorite. LSU’s defensive front must pressure the Crimson Tide offense in the backfield. Not allowing Young to make plays on the ground will be a key factor. Containing Alabama on third down and allowing under five yards per rush would be a huge momentum swing.
Look for BJ Ojulari, Jaquelin Roy, and Mekhi Wingo to make their presence known against Alabama’s offensive line. Micah Baskerville leads the team in tackles, and his counterpart at linebacker, Harold Perkins, has played well. In the secondary, Major Burns and Sage Ryan have to cover that portion of the field perfectly. Those players cannot miss tackles or give up long passing plays. On the outside, Mekhi Garner and Sevyn Banks must hold Bama’s top two wideouts, Jacorey Brooks and Jermaine Burton, to under 150 receiving yards each.
One more aspect for the defense to spy on is Gibbs catching passes out of the backfield. If given open space, Gibbs can elevate quickly and pick up first downs. LSU’s defense is stout enough with the talent to contain Gibbs in that regard.
LSU vs Alabama: Rivalry Renewed
The LSU-Alabama match-up provides the Tigers with a monster opportunity. The chance to take sole control of the SEC West is pivotal in this game. With a win, the Bayou Bengals just have to win out to go to Atlanta. But with a loss, their chances at an SEC Championship most likely end. For Brian Kelly to have LSU in this position at this point is something no one thought was possible.
But entering a renowned rivalry game, the team is primed and ready for a night game in Tiger Stadium. The Tigers haven’t beaten Alabama since 2019 when the program won its fourth National Championship. While the stakes are somewhat different, the Tigers are the highest-ranked two-loss team. A win propels them into first place in the division and a likely top-six ranking next week.
