On Saturday night, No. 11 Alabama (6-2, 3-2 SEC) will square off with No. 14 LSU (6-2. 3-1 SEC) in Baton Rouge for the 89th time in history.
The Crimson Tide hold the series advantage with a 59-27-5 all-time record, including a 29-10-2 record on the road in Tiger Stadium. It will be the first time Kalen DeBoer has faced the LSU Tigers in his coaching career as he hopes to keep Alabama’s playoff hopes alive with a win.
Here are a few things to watch for this Saturday as the Crimson Tide travels to LSU.
Handling the Atmosphere
It’s no secret that Alabama will have their hands full with a rowdy LSU crowd on Saturday night. Tiger Stadium is always a loud environment and only gets louder at night for big games. The Crimson Tide struggled a bit against a loud environment at Tennessee that resulted in four pre-snap penalties on offense and their second loss of the season. The Crimson Tide will have to do a better job at LSU if they want to avoid a third loss.
Starting Off Fast
What better way to neutralize a rowdy crowd than by starting off fast? Both DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan have both stressed earlier in the week how important it will be to start fast. Against Georgia earlier in the season, Alabama punched the Bulldogs right in the mouth, and the Bulldogs were unable to recover. Doing the same thing to LSU will be an important key to victory.
Rushing the Passer
LSU has one of the best pass blocking offensive lines in the country, allowing just four sacks through the first eight games. So far this year, Alabama has been mediocre in getting sacks, and this week won’t be any easier. Sacking the quarterback will be the ultimate goal, but if the Crimson Tide can at least put some pressure on the quarterback it would be a win for the defensive line.
Stay Strong in the Secondary
Despite the heavy criticism of the Alabama secondary, the unit has actually been a pretty solid group that has gotten better every game. The Crimson Tide are in the top third of the nation, allowing just under 200 yards per game while also hauling in 11 interceptions. The improving secondary will have their hands full on Saturday night against one of the best pass offenses in the nation led by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
No. 14 Alabama will go on the road and face No. 16 LSU at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on ABC.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
