Alabama Football: 3 keys for Tide to dominate vs. LSU
By Dakota Cox
Keys for Alabama football to dominate vs. LSU
1. Alabama needs to win on third down
Last year, LSU converted two more third downs than Alabama did. That might not sound like a lot, but every snap counted in this game. As soon as something went right for the Alabama defense, something bad immediately followed. LSU is nowhere near as good as they were last year, so Alabama football needs to dominate on third down.
Offensively, Alabama can get creative on third downs. Najee Harris almost always runs for a nice gain, so he can dominate in short-yardage situations. Mac Jones is incredibly accurate, and Sarkisian trusts him to make the right decision. Alabama can also utilize Slade Bolden as a wildcat quarterback.
Defensively, Alabama should be better on third downs. It wasn’t the fact that LSU converted in 2019. It was how they did it. Alabama was unable to stop the running back in the passing game, and that was the difference when it was all said and done. LSU no longer has Clyde Edwards-Helaire, but they will still try to utilize the running back on third downs. Alabama has struggled with this all season, but they’ve slowly been improving.
LSU will struggle as a whole on offense. When Alabama has a chance to end the drive, they need to do so. If LSU gets lucky and keeps marching down the field, the momentum might swing.
Next. LSU players to know. dark
Alabama fans should not be worried about the result in this game. They can just sit back and hope that the Crimson Tide dominate.