Alabama Football: Three keys to victory over LSU Tigers

Alabama football prepares for a heavyweight brawl with LSU on Saturday night in Death Valley. The top three matchup will be the Crimson Tide’s biggest test this season.

Alabama football is 9-3 under Nick Saban against his former team. Alabama won the last three meetings in Baton Rouge by an average of seven points. In 2016, freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts led the Tide to a 10-0 victory.

This game is the 83rd meeting between both schools with Alabama leading the all-time series, 52-25-2. The Crimson Tide has won seven in a row, including last years 24-10 victory in Tuscaloosa.

During Thursday radio show, Saban explained what he needs to see from his team,

"“They’re going to try to be more physical, we’re going to try to be more physical. So, there’s going to be a time in the game where it’s going to test your resolve as a competitor and your perseverance to keep on fighting, and that’s the one thing that I think that our team is going to be challenged because we haven’t been a game like that. I’m happy with the way our guys have competed, but we haven’t been in a game like that."

Below are three keys required for a Tide victory in Tiger Stadium:

Protect Tua at all costs

Alabama football boasts one of the elite offensive lines in the country. The bookends, Jonah Williams and Jedrick Wills, are the glue behind a line that has allowed only five sacks all season. During a scoring play against Tennessee, the Heisman favorite, Tua Tagovailoa had seven seconds in the pocket to deliver a touchdown to receiver Jerry Jeudy. Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda will implement creative schemes to put pressure on Tua.

Entering the game with 18 sacks, LSU’s leaders are safety Grant Delpit and linebacker Michael Divinty, Jr. with four sacks apiece. Furthermore, the defensive line is not as talented as past teams. Breiden Feheko leads all linemen with one and a half sacks.

Aranda faces a unique dilemma since he has to pick his poison, drop seven in coverage or blitz the sensational quarterback. Either way, the offensive line better protect Tua like the Secret Service paving the way for the President.

Stop Brosette and Edwards-Helaire

The potent LSU running back committee of Nick Brosette and Clyde Edwards-Helaire requires Alabama’s undivided attention. The duo has combined for 1,218 yards and 15 scores. In the Georgia upset, they connected for 209 yards and one score. If the Crimson Tide can stop the backs, LSU will have to throw the ball.

More from Bama Hammer

Joe Burrow has been magnificent for the Tigers, throwing for 1,544 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. The experienced quarterback makes the right plays reminiscent of a game manager. Offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger wants a balanced offense to avoid leaning on Burrow. The junior is completing 53 percent of his passes which is not good enough to beat the Tide.

One last note, Alabama leads the SEC in sacks with 26. LSU has allowed 18 sacks. The Tide applying pressure on Burrow will force him into throwing the ball away or sacks. Quinnen Williams and Isaiah Buggs are dominating offensive linemen, so the Tigers better bring their hard hats. If LSU can run the ball effectively, that could lead to an Alabama loss.

First Half Offense

The Crimson Tide have thrown murderous haymakers on the first drive of all eight games, scoring each time. Not only are they scoring on the first drive, but the Tide is outscoring their opponents 165-31 in the first quarter. LSU has allowed three field goals all season in the first quarter, outscoring their opponents 69-9. The Tigers defense is talented enough to hang with Alabama.

The Tide has not had to deal with adversity thus far and does not expect it to start this game. LSU’s best defensive player, Devin White, is out for the first half serving a controversial suspension. Alabama needs to take advantage of his absence. LSU will have difficulty keeping up with an explosive start from Nick Saban’s squad.

Injury Updates for Jalen Hurts and Devonta Smith. dark. Next

The outcome? Alabama football wins easily by three scores. Joe Burrow gets exposed against the best team in the country.

Home/Alabama Football