Alabama Football completed its revenge tour by outlasting LSU 42-28 in Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday night. The Alabama offense was a well-oiled machine and moved the ball efficiently throughout the game, led by dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe.
Prior to the game, we noted that several teams had enjoyed some of their best offensive performances of the season against LSU.
That trend continued in this game, as Alabama’s 42 offensive points, 507 yards of total offense, and 7.3 yards per play were all season-highs against Power Five opponents. The Tide’s yardage output and yards-per-play average were both season-bests regardless of opponent.
Bama set more season-highs across the board in the ground game: its 46 attempts, 288 yards, and 6.3 yards per carry were all high-water marks for 2023.
All night, the straw that stirred the drink was redshirt sophomore quarterback Jalen Milroe. Milroe turned in his signature performance of the season to this point, leading the Crimson Tide to victory and raising the team’s presumed ceiling in the process.
Alabama Football Quarterbacks: A
On paper, Jalen Milroe’s passing stats were fairly pedestrian (15-23, 219 yards). However, he made himself a consistent running threat for the first time all season. He shredded the LSU defense with his legs, and then was able to make some good downfield passes when they were made available to him.
It seemed as though LSU game planned to take away the deep ball, which had been Milroe’s patented weapon coming into the game. While they did so successfully, they overcompensated and left the Crimson Tide with too many options elsewhere.
For the game, Milroe ran for 155 yards on 7.8 yards per carry and scored four touchdowns. The LSU defense simply didn’t have an answer for his raw athleticism and instincts.
Jalen Milroe has been building to this game all season. He has gradually gotten more and more comfortable in the Alabama offense with every passing game. Against LSU, he looked as calm and confident as he ever has, and the results followed. Milroe’s 374 yards of total offense felt like a statement to his doubters, and to the rest of college football.
Alabama Football Running Backs: A
Bama took full advantage of LSU’s porous run defense. While Milroe took the bulk of the carries, the attention he drew opened up a lot of running lanes for the backs.
Jase McClellan enjoyed a lighter load after his workmanlike performance against Tennessee, and was very efficient. McClellan ran 14 times for 63 yards, adding a touchdown and a 42-yard reception on an improvisational play from Jalen Milroe.
This was McClellan’s third game of the season going over 100 yards from scrimmage, with all coming against quality SEC competition (Ole Miss, Tennessee, LSU).
Fellow senior Roydell Williams added 56 yards on just six carries, and even sophomore Jam Miller got some burn. Miller ran four times for 17 yards and hauled in a 35-yard catch from Milroe.
Alabama Football Receivers: B
The Bama receivers had limited opportunities with the Tide maintaining their 2:1 run-pass ratio for the third consecutive game. Bama attempted only 23 passes with 15 completions against LSU.
Still, the Tide pass-catchers made plays when they were able. Sophomore Isaiah Bond has been consistent as of late, and led the way with five receptions for 60 yards.
Jermaine Burton, Kendrick Law, and Kobe Prentice all made timely contributions for the Crimson Tide with chain-moving receptions.
Perhaps the most important development amongst the receiving corps has been blocking. With Bama gradually becoming a dominant running team, the receivers have improved as downfield blockers and typically do so without committing penalties.
Alabama Football Offensive Line: A
The Alabama offensive line had its best game of the season against LSU. The line paved the way for nearly 300 yards rushing in the game, easily the most Bama has produced all year. Its 288 yards on the ground were also the second-most LSU has allowed all season, and approached the 317-yard shellacking Ole Miss put on the Tigers.
Perhaps more importantly, the Bama O-line was steady in pass protection. It allowed a season-low two sacks, both of which were coverage sacks more than anything.
It must be noted that LSU has been terrible all year defending the run and getting after quarterbacks. Still, this has to be a confidence-building performance for an offensive line that has struggled to perform at a high level consistently.
Ideally, the line will carry this performance over to next week’s game at Kentucky and beyond. If it can do so, the offensive potential of Alabama Football is limitless.