Campus Clash
(6) Alabama Crimson Tide at (15) LSU Tigers
Alabama: Since the loss to the Tennessee Volunteers, they have gone back to the winning ways. Usually, they’re coasting along with wins and have that zero in the loss column. That’s not the case this year and if I can be blunt, they should have two or three losses. I still say to this day if Quinn Ewers didn’t get hurt in that week two game for Texas, they win that and remember Texas A&M had them on the ropes until a questionable play call won them the game. Everything all caught up to them in Knoxville when they played Tennessee and they fell short. They are still in the drivers’ seat to win the SEC West because there’s no team in the division to challenge them. The playoffs is another concern because they must win out the regular season. As soon as they drop another game, the committee won’t even think about letting them sit at the table. Tell me a time when you saw a two-loss team playing in the playoffs? You can’t because it’s never happened! Watching the Crimson Tide this year, they go as Bryce Young goes. No disrespect to the backup Quarterback, Jalen Milroe, but he won’t get you anywhere. There’s a reason why Bryce won the Heisman last season, and it shows. If Jalen had started that game in Knoxville, that’s a loss. On Saturday night, they will make a trip to Baton Rouge.
LSU: The Brian Kelly impact is slowly but surely taking its course. Remember what I said when the news came out that he was leaving South Bend for the SEC? Wherever he goes, success follows. At Notre Dame, he led them to a few College Football Playoff appearances and a National Title game, then he became the winningest coach in Fighting Irish history. Whenever you leave one job and come to the SEC, you’ll be under that microscope for as long as you’re coaching in the conference. It’s been a learning experience for this group, but here they are ranked in the top 25 and they have a winning record. This LSU offense can score. They’ve averaged 35 points on the year and this offense starts and ends with Jayden Daniels. He’s the end all and be all for the Tigers. When he does well, the team feeds off that and he keeps them in games. When he struggles, he really struggles. It’s all about being consistent for Jayden. In their last game against Ole Miss, I saw a perfect balanced attack as they were able to control the clock and possessed the ball for over 36 minutes. That’s the type of football that’s going to win you games. Whenever I think of Coach Kelly’s teams, the defense has always been one of the best in the nation. I can admit they’ve been up and down but look for them to improve over the years with recruiting. It truly takes time. On Saturday night, they’ll resume their rivalry with those Crimson Tide of Alabama.
Alabama X-Factor: Henry To’o To’o– I know Will Anderson gets a lot of coverage and rightfully so, because he’s the best defensive player in the country. Let’s not forget about Henry. He’s the heart and soul of this entire Alabama football team. Henry is never fooled. He plays with a great eye and natural instincts meaning he sees the play first, then makes his pursuit of the ball. I love his decisiveness. Henry may not be the most athletic guy, but he’s a great tackler and will fly to the football. Henry plays with speed and range.
LSU X-Factor: Jaray Jenkins– He’s a sneaky good Wide Receiver. Jaray might not be the quickest guy and won’t wow you with his skillset, but what stands out to me is the catch radius. The ball just falls into his hands and he knows how to position himself to make a play. How about Jaray’s ability to run routes? He can free himself with shiftiness and he’s quick enough to sneak behind coverage if you don’t pay attention to him.
Final Thoughts: This is always a fun matchup to preview. The last time I did, it was 2019. An LSU team with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Coach O went into Tuscaloosa and beat the Crimson Tide in which would become Joe’s Heisman moment. Years later, here we are again. The Alabama Wide Receivers might not be as explosive as they’ve been in years past, but they’ve come a long way since the beginning of the season. LSU must try to pressure Bryce and keep him in the pocket. Don’t allow him to extend any plays and offensively, attack that Crimson Tide secondary as most teams have. As I said a few weeks ago, Alabama struggles against teams with mobile Quarterbacks. Look for Alabama to get Gibbs the ball as often as possible as the Tigers struggle to stop the run.
Prediction: Alabama 34, LSU 27
