College Football Game of the Week: No. 6 Alabama vs. No. 10 LSU
Week 10 of the college football season features an SEC showdown as the No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide will visit Death Valley to take on No. 10 LSU on Saturday night.
After the College Football Playoff Rankings were released Tuesday evening, LSU and Alabama appeared in the top-10 despite having a bye week.
First place in the SEC West is at stake, and this game will have significant implications going forward.
At 6-2, LSU has a chip on its shoulder with first-year head coach Brian Kelly. After a 24-23 loss in Week 1 against Florida State, the Tigers have turned things around and have earned key wins over big programs like Mississippi State, Florida, and most recently, Ole Miss — a team they have now leaped in the rankings.
Alabama will also be playing with a chip on its shoulder Saturday night, as a No. 6 ranking is uncharted territory for head coach Nick Saban and company.
After falling to now No. 1 Tennessee, Alabama’s defense was much improved against Mississippi State. However, the offense stalled in the second half, only managing two field goals and 29 rushing yards on 27 carries.
LSU has flown well under the radar this season, and after the 40-13 blowout loss to Tennessee a few weeks ago, it will be interesting to see how the Tigers will rebound after early mistakes doomed them in that contest.
LSU was not expected to be competing for a title this season, especially coming off a 6-7 record last season and a 5-5 record in 2020.
LSU’s last win against Alabama came in 2019, as Ed Orgeron’s squad beat the Crimson Tide 46-41 en route to a national championship.
That victory was the Tigers’ only one in 11 meetings, but it’s safe to say they have a decent chance of doing it again.
With this game being at Tiger Stadium, that is a huge advantage for Kelly and his preparation.
This annual meeting between LSU and Alabama means much more than the West being up for grabs, as this matchup has become one of the biggest on the college football schedule over the years, and this one will be no different.
Both offenses have had similar results so far this season, as Alabama ranks 12th nationally in points per drive while LSU is 17th.
LSU’s defensive line must get pressure in Bryce Young’s face and must find a way to contain him.
LSU has to make this a messy game for the Crimson Tide, as the Tigers have to play within themselves and limit early mistakes.
Alabama would lock up the division with wins this week and next, and with LSU being one of the SEC’s few programs to compete with the Tide, Saturday night will be a chance for LSU to prove that it now has the coach and talent to match up with them.
It will be up to transfer quarterback Jayden Daniels and his duel-threat abilities to lead the Tigers in Death Valley, and seal their destiny as SEC West champions.
Jameson Kramer is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jek5650@psu.edu.
