LSU was unable to take down Alabama for the second consecutive year, as the Tigers fell to the Crimson Tide 42-28 in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night. The loss is LSU’s third of the season, and second in Southeastern Conference play, which likely drops the Tigers out of contention for the SEC West division title.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
After forcing Alabama to punt on its first possession, LSU wasted little time getting on the scoreboard as the Tigers needed only five plays to go 85 yards as Jayden Daniels found Malik Nabers for a 46-yard touchdown.
Alabama responded with a five-play, 76-yard touchdown drive as Jalen Milroe scored on a 23-yard run. LSU tried to respond but was unable to complete the pass on fourth-and-one at the Alabama 42.
The Crimson Tide took advantage of the short field as Milroe scored again on a run, this time from four yards out.
After the two teams traded drives that ended with missed field goals, LSU tied the game with an eight-play, 71-yard drive as Daniels finished it off with a nine-yard touchdown run.
Alabama scored yet again with a nine-play, 74-yard drive as Milroe scored his third rushing touchdown, a 21-yard run that gave the Crimson Tide a 21-14 lead.
With less than a minute to go before halftime, LSU marched right down the field as Daniels found Kyren Lacy open for a 26-yard touchdown.
At the break, LSU and Alabama were tied at 21.
LSU got the ball to start the second half and Daniels led the Tigers down the field with ease. LSU needed only nine plays to go 75 yards as Josh Williams capped the drive with a two-yard touchdown run.
Alabama responded with back-to-back touchdown drives as Roydell Williams scored from 16 yards out and then Milroe scored his fourth rushing touchdown of the night.
LSU’s ensuing drive ended prematurely as Daniels’ pass was tipped by Dallas Turner and picked off. Alabama took advantage of the short field again and scored on a 10-yard touchdown run by Jase McClellan.
With less than 13 minutes left in the fourth and trailing 42-28, Alabama’s Turner was called for roughing the passer with a hit on Daniels. After coming out of the game for one play, Daniels was pulled from the game and placed in concussion protocol.
LSU wasn’t able to score again as the Tigers suffered the road loss.
BIG NUMBER I: 21
LSU and Alabama each scored 21 points in the first half of Saturday night’s game in Tuscaloosa. That had never happened in the previous 80 meetings between the Tigers and Crimson Tide.
BIG NUMBER II: 2
Alabama’s offensive line entered the game having given up 35 sacks in eight games this season. The maligned offensive line was a huge factor in Saturday’s game as the Tide gave up only two sacks.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME: JAYDEN DANIELS & MALIK NABERS
Daniels completed 15-of-25 passes for 215 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, while also rushing for 163 yards on 11 carries and scoring another touchdown on the ground. Nabers meanwhile hauled in 10 receptions for 171 yards on seven receptions and one touchdown.
UP NEXT: LSU (6-3, 4-2) returns home on Saturday when it hosts Florida (5-4, 3-3). Kickoff time is to be determined.