It is LSU vs Alabama 11-4-23 in a battle for who represents the SEC West. As I like to call it, the Nick Saban bowl. The 13th-ranked LSU Tigers travel to Tuscaloosa to take on the 8th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama leads the all-time series 55-27-5. Last year, LSU won last year’s matchup 32-31 with an overtime victory. 

LSU vs Alabama – LSU

LSU coach Brian Kelly looks to ride that momentum. He joins head coaches such as Hugh Freeze and former LSU coach Les Miles in beating Saban twice in a row. To accomplish this feat it starts with their explosive offensive. LSU’s offense is number one in the country in yardage total per game, with an average of 552.9 yards per game.  

• LSU’s star quarterback, Jaden Daniels, leads their offense. He is as much a threat on the ground as he is through the air. He passes to two of the best receivers in college football. He also has a dynamic all-purpose back in the backfield.  
• LSU receiver Malik Nabers lives up to the preseason hype of all SEC first team. He leads the country with 981 receiving yards.  
• Bryan Thomas takes advantage of the attention that Nabers gathers. He capitalizes by finishing drives. Thomas is second in the SEC in touchdowns, with 11.  
• Look beyond their explosive pass catchers. This is not just an offense that gains yards through the air. The Tiger’s offense features Notre Dame transfer Logan Diggs as running back. He is fifth in the SEC in rushing yards with 611 yards. Daniels also ranks among the top 10 in the SEC in rushing yards, with 521. 

While LSU has a great time, what we have learned about Nick Saban over the last two decades is that we can not rule his teams out. This may be his best coaching job.

LSU vs Alabama – Alabama

Going into the season, Alabama lost their team linchpins on both sides of the ball. The first is quarterback 2021 Heisman winner Bryce Young. The second is Will Anderson Jr., SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Both players went on to go top-three in the 2023 Draft. 

Bill O’Brien

The Crimson Tide also lost their Offensive Defensive Coordinator, Bill O’Brien. He followed suit, like most of their players, going to the NFL. O’Brien wanted another shot at the NFL, where he had spent most of his time before the Alabama job. Reuniting the Patriots with Bill Bellichick was a great opportunity. Remember, O’Brien coached under Bellichick for four seasons. He also had a connection with former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones. Jones helped O’Brien learn the offense. This showed proof of concept in the Alabama-Patroits pipeline.

Pete Golding

Defensive Coordinator Pete Golding opted to coach under another Patriot’s disciple, Lane Kiffin.

Turnover

Turnover has been the case for many high-level teams. Unfortunately, there were no favorites to replace any of these positions. Usually, there is a former coach to turn to who was an analyst the past season or so. Alabama usually breeds four and five-star defensive lines waiting their turn to play. The last four quarterbacks to play at Alabama are all starters in the NFL. 

• Young was the first overall pick. 
• Jones had a terrific rookie season.
• Tua Tagovailoa has played on an MVP level when healthy.
• Jalen Hurts is coming off a Super Bowl.

Kirby Smart

Saban’s accolades were not enough. This offseason, critics were skeptical if his dynasty was over. Kirby Smart is another former Saban discipline. He led Georgia to two straight dominant champions with a win over the Crimson Tide. Smart has a pipeline of great defenders and recruiting, which is how Saban teams’ won in years past. Last season, Alabama’s defense struggled, and Young carried the offense.

Can LSU Hold Alabama Back?

Criticism didn’t hold Alabama back. They had a 7-1 record. There are hopes of getting back into the college football playoff. They narrowly missed it last season. This season, the Crimson Tide has played three different quarterbacks. They played a young offensive line and no clear-cut star at wide receiver and running back. 

Alabama’s Jalen Milroe  

Alabama’s lead quarterback, Jalen Milroe, can scramble when he loses protection. He has as strong of an arm as there is in college football. Over the season, he has improved his progressions and footwork in the pocket. He has sometimes been inaccurate if flushed from the pocket and tended to throw off-balance. 

Alabama’s Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams  

Alabama running backs Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams are worth a look. Milroe’s top target at wide receiver is former Georgia transfer Jermaine Burton.

Matchups to Watch

Watch the key matchup. That is Alabama’s cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry vs LSU receivers Nabers and Thomas. The line play is another key matchup with LSU’s front seven vs Alabama’s offensive line. Alabama’s offensive line has struggled. Look for LSU defenders. That includes linebackers Harold Perkins and defensive lineman Mason Smith to take advantage.

Who Will Win? 

Will Kelly beat Saban for a second consecutive year? Only the game will tell. Subscribe to see what University Foot-ball game picks are.

Authored by Tarohn Finley