(Photo: Cosm)
Campus Clash
(9) Alabama Crimson Tide at (15) LSU Tigers
Alabama (6-2):
Just when I think they’ve turned the page and made the necessary adjustments, they fall back ten steps and remind me why I can’t put too much faith in them. At the beginning of the year, I was impressed with this team. They appeared to have turned the page and returned to playing the brand of football we had grown accustomed to seeing for years. They even got off to a 5-0 start before running into the Georgia Bulldogs and suffering their first loss. What really made me frown, however, was their loss to the Tennessee Volunteers on the “Third Saturday in October.” I saw a team that seemed to accept defeat as the game went on rather than fight back. They simply didn’t show up when it mattered most. In that loss to the Vols, Alabama also committed four turnovers, and you’ll never win football games consistently when you’re giving the ball away to the opposition. If I had to give you my assessment of the Crimson Tide, I’d say they’re still a good football team, but they aren’t a great one. This is a group that’s simply too inconsistent for my liking. I know Kalen DeBoer has been in Tuscaloosa for a few seasons now, but I question whether he’s cut out for the SEC. When you struggle or fail to meet expectations, the spotlight shines brighter, and you’re placed under an even bigger microscope (just ask Brian Kelly). Even after Nick Saban retired, DeBoer was still tasked with dealing with a tremendous amount of expectations. One thing I can take away from his teams since taking the job is that they haven’t established an identity. Under Saban, Alabama was a physical football team that could make opposing offenses one-dimensional. They played power football and established themselves through the running game. I even said before the season started that DeBoer was on the hot seat, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he were let go at the end of the season. This Saturday afternoon, the Crimson Tide make their way to Death Valley.
LSU (6-2):
I can honestly say things are much better than I anticipated, although I knew there would be plenty of pressure surrounding this program with Lane Kiffin at the helm as head coach. They’ve looked impressive at several points throughout the season, including their Week 1 victory over the Clemson Tigers in Kiffin’s debut. More recently, they handled business against the Auburn Tigers, which I thought was their best all-around performance of the season. Now, let’s talk about the losses. The first came against the Ole Miss Rebels in Week 3 in Oxford, in a major showdown where LSU fought back but ultimately ran out of gas when it mattered most. Their second loss came against the Kentucky Wildcats in Lexington, in an upset that I know was especially frustrating. LSU had several opportunities to put that game away but failed to capitalize. One thing I knew Kiffin would bring to this LSU program was an explosive offense, and this group is averaging 40 points per game, which is certainly promising. My concern at times has been Sam Leavitt and not knowing which version of him we’re going to get. That brings me to his first six games of the season. Sam has been an extremely productive quarterback, without question, but he threw eight interceptions during those first six contests. However, he followed that stretch by going two consecutive games without throwing an interception, which is important to highlight. I think the problem was that LSU was putting a little too much on his plate. The version of Leavitt we’ve seen over the last two games is exactly how he needs to perform against quality, big-time SEC programs. What I’m getting at is that they don’t need him throwing for more than 400 yards every game. They simply need him to make smart decisions with the football and avoid giving away possessions. The Tigers return home Saturday for a showdown with the Crimson Tide!
Alabama X-Factor: Daniel Hill
I feel Daniel Hill has flown under the radar for Alabama and this offense, but he’s more than capable of helping control a football game out of the backfield. LSU has been excellent statistically against the pass, but they’ve had their share of struggles stopping the run. That’s exactly why I’m keeping my eyes on Daniel Hill. He has an opportunity to further exploit that weakness. He can get those tough yards between the tackles, which can wear down the LSU defensive front. He can also help dictate the tempo of the game. I’ll be watching to see if he can average at least four to five yards per carry and consistently convert in short-yardage situations. Most importantly, Daniel can help take pressure off Keelon Russell. I’ll also be watching to see if he can keep Alabama ahead of the chains and force LSU to consistently account for the running game.
LSU X-Factor: Jackson Harris
This is Leavitt’s first read when he drops back, and Jackson is also LSU’s most explosive receiver on the outside. His ability to stretch the field forces opposing safeties to respect the deep ball. Jackson can also create matchup problems with the speed he possesses. If Alabama decides to play him in single coverage, this is where Leavitt and LSU must attack and capitalize. Whenever LSU needs to move the chains on third down, Harris is often a primary target. He’s particularly dangerous on intermediate routes. He’s also a threat in the red zone, where he can win contested catches and use his height to his advantage, standing tall at 6-foot-2. Watch this kid in Saturday’s contest!
Final Thoughts:
I’ve had plenty of opportunities to preview this matchup, dating back to their SEC Championship Game in 2011 and their National Championship Game that same season. I also previewed their 2019 showdown, which essentially clinched the Heisman Trophy for Joe Burrow that year. Here we are again for another edition of the “Saban Bowl” or the “First Saturday in November.” The winner of this game will be in great shape, and I believe the loser will be out of contention for the College Football Playoff. If I’m Alabama, I’d attack the LSU offensive line, particularly the guards, with interior pressure to throw Leavitt off his spot. LSU has experienced some inconsistent play from its guards, and that’s an area Alabama should look to exploit. Next, Alabama’s secondary must win the battle against LSU’s receivers. That starts with communicating, tackling well, and preventing explosive plays. Lastly, Alabama needs to get Daniel Hill and the running game going against an LSU defense that has struggled to stop the run. As for LSU, the Tigers must pressure Keelon Russell and force him to make quicker decisions than he’d like. They also need to win on third down, control the time of possession, and take advantage of an Alabama red-zone defense that has struggled this season. I see this being a close game from start to finish!
