Welcome everyone to the latest LSU preview where I break down every game on LSU’s schedule! This week, it’s the big game against Alabama.
Last Week: Both teams had last weekend off, but the last time both teams played the Tigers won in convincing fashion over Ole Miss 38-21. Alabama also had a convincing win over Texas A&M by the score of 33-14.
Last Meeting: The last time the Tigers and the Tide faced off, Alabama beat LSU in Tuscaloosa 30-16. The Crimson Tide have won the last five meetings and hold a 50-25-5 record over LSU.
What to Watch For:
Not Your Usual LSU-Bama Game: On paper, LSU’s matchup against Alabama looks to be more of the same. Alabama has a star QB they’ve plugged in to replace another good player; LSU has their monster running back. The biggest thing in terms of storylines heading into this game is that LSU is riding a huge wave of momentum since Coach O has become the interim head coach. The offense looks entirely different; the team chemistry has changed; LSU may have a QB that can perform well on the field. This was the team many fans expected to see heading into this season. LSU and Alabama’s matchup in Death Valley has the same implications as it has in the past, but there’s a lot more to it when you look further into it.
LSU Needs Big Game From Etling: The performance from Danny Etling since the switch from Cam Cameron to Steve Ensminger has been night and day. Perhaps it’s because of a good balance of run and pass, but at the end of the day, the change in performance can’t be ignored. The quarterback game against Alabama the last few years has been virtually nonexistent outside of good performances from Mettenberger in 2012 and 2013 and if the Tigers have a good game from Etling against one of the toughest defenses in the country, a win isn’t out of reach.
Tight Matchup: If you’re expecting a shootout on a Louisiana Saturday Night as Alan Michael likes to say you will be disappointed. Both teams have incredible defenses and has always been one of the low scoring affairs especially under the bright lights of Tiger Stadium.
LSU Will Win If:
The LSU Tigers can pull off the proverbial upset if they can fire on all cylinders. Based off the last three games, they can do just that. It’s been a reboot of how this team is run because of Coach Orgeron and the new coordinators being inserted in have provided that spark that was necessary to turn this season around.
Alabama Will Win If:
The Crimson Tide will beat the Tigers in Death Valley if Jalen Hurts can get going on the ground. Hurts is a good mobile QB and can hurt the Tigers defense that has shown they can bring the pain to a QB if the offensive line isn’t ready to go. That line gives up an inch players like Arden Key can create trouble.
-Clint Domingue