Alabama Football: The Crimson Tide focusing on itself rather than LSU

Alabama football went back to work on Tuesday, focused on making itself better rather than concentrating on the LSU Bengal Tigers.

After enjoying an extra off-day during the bye week, Alabama football returned to the practice field Tuesday afternoon. The players worked outside in shorts and shells.

Two players expected to not work this week are Jalen Hurts and Devonta Smith. Jalen is definitely shut-down this week after minor surgery to aid the healing of a high ankle sprain. Smith was dressed out on Tuesday but not participating in drills during the media viewing period. Saban said Monday Devonta will not be rushed back this week. Trainers will evaluate his hamstring and hopefully, he will be healthy by early next week.

For the past few seasons, the secret to an Alabama football victory over LSU has been to make the Tigers’ offense one-dimensional. Without a playmaker at QB, shutting down the Bengal Tigers simply required stuffing the running game. Even with a great tailback like Leonard Fournette, the Crimson Tide defense was too much for the LSU offense.

This season, LSU has not run well against strong defenses. The Bengal Tigers managed less than three yards-per-carry against Mississippi State and Auburn. LSU QB, Joe Burrow has been just good enough through the air to lead his team to its 7-1 record.

Alabama football is not concentrating on Burrow or anything else LSU during the bye week. The focus for the Crimson Tide is on itself and how to eliminate mistakes while improving its performance in key areas.

On Tuesday, Crimson Tide offensive lineman, Jonah Williams pointed out being 8-0 as a Saban coached Alabama football team has only led to one undefeated season.

"We can be proud of what we have accomplished so far but there is a lot of work going forward if we want to continue to be successful against the great teams we are going to play… It comes down to the little details, that is what execution is all about."

Check out the video below for more of Jonah’s comments.

The Crimson Tide will evaluate itself this week and spend time making itself better. LSU will be in the back of the player’s minds but the Bengal Tigers will not be the focus of practices. There will plenty of time for that next week.

Alabama football is performing at such a level, the greatest challenge is not another team but playing up to the Crimson Tide standard. Jonah defined the mindset necessary for championship challenges.

"I don’t think there’s any team in the country that’s good enough to get away with not being focused on the little things."

For Alabama football, it really is that simple.

Playing in Baton Rouge is like going home for more than 10 Tide players. Six current starters and a key backup are from Louisiana. Two Tide players are from Baton Rouge, Dylan Moses and Chris Allen.