Author: Max Mcclean
No. 14 LSU (6-2, 5th in SEC) will host No. 11 Alabama (6-2, 7th in SEC) on Saturday night in a pivotal SEC showdown, dubbed a "College Football Playoff Elimination Game." Both teams are fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive, adding extra intensity to this rivalry. For LSU, the game will center around the performance of standout junior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who has excelled this season but faces a significant challenge against Alabama’s formidable defense. The Tigers' defense, led by EDGE Bradyn Swinson, will need to contain Alabama’s dynamic dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe to secure a crucial victory in Tiger Stadium.
LSU No.14 (6-2, 5th in SEC)
Junior quarterback Garret Nussmeier has been a standout for the Tigers this year, ranking in the top 10 nationally with 328 passing yards per game and 20 touchdowns. One thing to note is Nussmeir’s completion rate, though sitting at 62.5% on the season, his rate drops down to 54% against AP top 25 teams, something to keep in mind against No.11 Alabama. Despite occasional indecision about using his legs to gain yards, Nussmeier has expressed a desire to improve in that area. Nussmeir has shown progress by keeping the ball on read options to pick up a first down. Nussmeir and the Tigers will have to get crafty to spread the offense on the ground against Bama’s tough run defense.
Much of Nussmeir’s success must be attributed to his wide receiver core; LSU has four receivers with over 300 yards eight games into the season. Wide receiver group led by Kyren Lacy leads the team with 41 receptions, 618 yards, and six touchdowns. Complemented by other wide outs Aaron Anderson and CJ Daniels, and 6 '5 TE Mason Taylor, the Tigers have plenty of options to pick apart the Aggie secondary.
LSU EDGE Bradyn Swinson has emerged as a top pass rusher, recording 34 tackles, 10.5 for loss, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles in eight games. As LSU heads into the final stretch of the season, Swinson must maintain his momentum against Alabama. The Tigers need Swinson and Sai'vion Jones to contain Alabama's dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe, forcing him to pass rather than run. Linebacker Whit Weeks, who stepped up after Harold Perkins' injury, will play a crucial role in limiting Milroe's rushing. The defensive efforts of Swinson and Weeks are vital for LSU to slow down Alabama's offense on Saturday night.
Alabama No.11 (6-2, 7th in SEC)
The first season for Kalen DeBoer in the SEC has not gone the way DeBoer or The Crimson Tide envisioned. There was lots of concern when Saban announced his retirement following the 2024 Rose Bowl loss. A loss against LSU would knock Bama out of playoff contention, an absolute disaster for DeBoer in his first head to the helm.
Jalen Milroe has proven to be one of the nation's top dual-threat quarterbacks, amassing nearly 2,000 passing yards and 13 touchdowns, along with 380 rushing yards and 12 scores on the ground. Milroe has an elite receiving threat in Ryan Williams, Will has made a significant impact in his true freshman season, a true freshman season that sees him a year younger than anyone in the nation. Williams leads the team with 35 receptions for 702 yards and seven touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the top wideouts in the SEC.
Defensively, Alabama's secondary is anchored by Malachi Moore, who has excelled with 46 tackles, five pass breakups, and two interceptions this season. LSU's quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will have a tough time as Moore's presence on the field tends to lead to big plays from the Alabama defense.
The Stakes
As the game approaches, the stakes couldn't be higher for both LSU and Alabama. The Tigers' success will depend heavily on Garrett Nussmeier's ability to navigate Alabama's defense and the effectiveness of their defensive line in containing Jalen Milroe. With a dynamic receiving corps and a strong defensive front, LSU has the tools to outmaneuver the Crimson Tide. Alabama's innovative offense has proven their ability to adapt. In a clash that could define their seasons, LSU's balanced attack and defensive prowess will give them the edge, LSU wins 21-17, keeping their playoff hopes alive and knocking off the mighty Alabama