The Alabama Crimson Tide travels to Baton Rouge, taking on the LSU Tigers. Alabama leads the all-time series 56-27-5. They won their most recent matchup last November. Both teams are coming out of their bye weeks with two losses. This game could serve as an elimination match in a loaded SEC conference. In this week’s breakdown, we’ll discuss:
- Coaching
- Best players
- Key matchups to look out for
Coaching Shifts in a New Era
This is the first year in recent memory that the “Nick Saban Bowl” will be played without Nick Saban. This season features first-year Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer and third-year LSU coach Brian Kelly. Despite their newness to the rivalry, each coach has led a team to a championship berth. Both coaches are known for explosive offenses.
Quarterbacks Stepping into the Spotlight
Both teams are led by their quarterbacks. After years of sitting behind Heisman quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Bryce Young, and Garrett Nussmeier and Jalen Milroe have proven they were worth the wait.
LSU’s Passing Game and Ground Attack
Nussmeier, son of veteran quarterback coach and current Eagles offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, is second in the SEC with 2,627 passing yards. He looks to spread the ball to one of the best deep receiving depth charts in the country, featuring:
- Kyren Lacy
- Aaron Anderson
- Mason Taylor
- C.J. Daniels
- Chris Hilton
- Zavion Thomas
On the ground, the Tigers are led by Caden Durham, who can also catch it out of the backfield.
Alabama’s Defense: A Fresh Look
This will be an exciting matchup with an Alabama defense that has sometimes struggled under new defensive coordinator Kane Wommack.
After the loss of Terrion Arnold, Caleb Downs and Kool-Aid Mckinstry, the key matchup will be Alabama’s secondary, a new-look lineup led by:
- USC transfer Domani Jackson
- Freshman Zabien Brown
- Veteran Malachi Moore
- Michigan transfer Keon Sabb
Also factoring in the secondary:
- Devonta Smith
- Jaylen Mbakwe
- Red Morgan
- Dashawn Jones
Other Alabama defenders to watch include:
- Deonte Lawson
- Qua Russaw
- Jihad Campbell
- Justin Jefferson
- Que Robinson at linebacker
On the defensive line, look for these players who aim to stop the run:
- LT Overton
- Tim Smith
- Jah-Marien Latham
- Tim Kennan
X-Factor: Alabama’s Ground Game
Alabama’s offense X-factor is their ground game, powered by Milroe. With his acceleration and change of direction, he is unstoppable in the open field. When he does an excellent job on the ground, Alabama typically wins. Outside of Milroe, there is the effective running back duo Jam Miller and Justice Haynes.
Alabama’s Passing Attack and LSU’s Defensive Challenge
In the passing game, the Crimson Tide are led by 17-year-old freshman Ryan Williams. Other receivers to watch include:
- Germie Bernard
- C.J. Dippre
- Kendrick Law
- Josh Cuevas
- Kobe Prentice
- Emmanuel Henderson Jr.
- Caleb Odom
This should be an exciting matchup for LSU’s improved defense, led by defensive coordinator Blake Baker. Key LSU defenders to watch include:
- Matthew Weeks
- Greg Penn
- Bradyn Swinson
- Sai’vion Jones
- Sage Ryan
- Jardin Gilbert
- Dashawn Spears
Coaching Performance and Insights
Finally, let’s review how both coaches finished last season regarding performance against our spreads. Brian Kelly at LSU finished 42nd in our CAPE rankings, with his team beating our spreads by an average of 1.5 points per game. Kalen DeBoer finished 70th, with his team underperforming our spreads by an average of 0.5 points per game.
Conclusion: What’s at Stake
Will LSU keep their playoff hopes alive? Will DeBoer get his first win in this rivalry? Find out with University Football.
Author – Tarohn Finley
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