The LSU-Alabama rivalry is always one for the ages. The LSU football team will attempt to do something they have not done in six years; beat Alabama. The annual rivalry game between the Tigers and Tide will take place in Tuscaloosa on Saturday at 7 PM central time on CBS. The Crimson Tide is the second-ranked team in the country. LSU comes in at number 19 in the first College Football Playoff Poll.
LSU-Alabama Rivalry
This game has extensive meaning to both teams. For LSU, a win would put them in the drivers seat in the SEC West. For the Tide, a win would keep them undefeated and one step closer to another SEC Championship berth. Both teams will play their most physical game yet. LSU is 10-14 all time in Tuscaloosa. The Tigers are 21 point underdogs entering the matchup. Alabama has won the last six games, dating back to the 2012 BCS National Championship Game.
A Look at LSU
Offensively, the Tigers have to step up on the offensive line. The interior of the offense has been slumping all season. The o-line has to protect quarterback Danny Etling for LSU to have a chance at the upset. Running back Derrius Guice will handle the backfield, and should see the field most of the game. At receiver, DJ Chark has become a pivotal playmaker. If the Tigers want a chance to win, they may need to rely on Guice. Establishing a run game will be crucial for LSU in this game. The Tigers will also have to effectively throw the ball against an elite Tide defense.
Defensively for LSU, the Tigers are led by Donte Jackson and Devin White. This week, White said “it’s time to beat up on the big brother”. White was offered by Alabama in high school, but chose LSU. Jackson is playing the best season of his career in an LSU uniform. Defense will be key here especially in stopping Alabama’s run game. LSU’s defense will be crucial as to which team win this year’s LSU-Alabama rivalry game.
A Look at The Tide
For the Tide, quarterback Jalen Hurts is a force to reckon with. Hurts is putting up stellar numbers in Tuscaloosa as a sophomore. Running backs Bo Scarborough and Damien Harris have stole the show on offense this season. Both backs are pivotal rushers with a knack for gaining huge yardage. Bama will have to establish their rush game early on in this matchup.
Defensively, the Tide need to play their style of defense. Nick Saban’s assistant coaches do a tremendous job coaching up this defense. LSU’s offense will bring forth a new offense, and Alabama will need to be ready for it.
For LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada, this is his time to shine. Tiger fans were promised a new scheme on offense. But they have yet to display it. This is the game to break it open if they want a chance to win. Canada was brought in to bring forth a new offense. He has done just that, but hasn’t provided the new scheme yet. This game will tell if the Tigers really have a new schematic look on offense.
