Alabama Football: Five takeaways from victory over LSU

Alabama Football vs. LSU Takeaway No. 1

The ‘revenge’ factor did not exist. Or if it did, not in the Crimson Tide’s favor. Saban said earlier in the week revenge is not a good motivator. Beleaguered LSU, however, appeared to be driven to make a statement. Maybe that statement was a response to their widely reported demise or a players’ defense of an exiting coaching staff. Maybe, with NFL scouts in attendance, LSU players relished and took advantage of an opportunity to showcase themselves. Maybe they just deep down hate Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Whatever it was, they did not quit when it got toughest. Many thought they would, including me, but we were wrong.

Tide vs. LSU Takeaway No. 2

Through most of the season, Nick Saban’s post-games have included the need to ‘clean up’ mistakes. Do championship contenders often need to be cleaning up mistakes after nine games? I think not, but maybe this year they do. Fortunately Saturday night, most of the mistakes were on offense.

Tide vs. LSU Takeaway No. 3

Going into the Alabama game, LSU was allowing an average of 4.37 yards per run. That stat is roughly in the bottom 40% of all FBS teams. Against LSU, the Crimson Tide averaged 0.2 net yards, after minus-22 yards in sacks on Bryce Young.  Take away the sacks and the Tide had 17 carries for 28 yards. Brian Robinson averaged 1.4 yards on 13 carries. The Crimson Tide net rushing total of six yards was the lowest of the Nick Saban, Alabama Football era.