Alabama heads into this weekend's matchup against LSU hopefully refreshed and with renewed energy coming off a much-needed bye week.
The goal for the bye was to get healthy, and things are trending in a solid direction for the Crimson Tide with guys like Ryan Coleman-Williams, Racin Delgatty, and Terrance Green.
The first College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday night brought some good news, too. Alabama was ranked No. 5 in the initial rankings, suggesting that this weekend's matchup at LSU may not be the do-or-die game we all expected.
It's still critically important, but there is certainly a pathway for Alabama to get into the playoff at 9-3 now.
Every week, we offer up four bold predictions for each game. Let's get bold for this weekend's matchup in Death Valley:
1. Alabama eclipses 150 yards on the ground
Ryan Grubb preached patience for Alabama's run game during his Monday press conference, telling his group through the media to take what the defense allows and not to get greedy. If Grubb can take his own advice, and assuming Delgatty is back at center and perhaps EJ Crowell is available in the backfield, then there's a path for Alabama to run the ball effectively against LSU.
LSU ranks 5th in the country in rushing yards per game allowed, but Kentucky mustered 155 on them in their upset in Lexington. Alabama was running the ball effectively prior to Delgatty's injury, but struggled mightily in the two games he missed against Tennessee and Texas A&M.
If he plays, Alabama can run the ball on LSU. Being able to do so will be pivotal to avoid putting too much pressure on sophomore QB Keelon Russell in Death Valley.
2. Alabama holds LSU to under 100 yards on the ground
Alabama ranks 23rd in the country in yards per game allowed on the ground, but that number has been trending in the wrong direction since the second half against Georgia. It's not a coincidence that those issues coincided with an injury to starting DT Terrance Green.
Green is expected to return this weekend against LSU, something that Yhonzae Pierre hinted at after practice on Tuesday.
Alabama making LSU one-dimensional would go a long way toward defensive success in Baton Rouge. As good as Sam Leavitt has been for Lane Kiffin, he will put the ball in conflict from time to time. An opportunistic Tide defense may be able to take advantage and force a takeaway or two.
3. Ryan Coleman-Williams returns and reaches the endzone
Alabama's offense badly missed star WR Ryan Coleman-Williams against Tennessee and Texas A&M. Even when he's not actively catching the ball, his gravity frees up Alabama's other receivers to make plays.
Coleman-Williams is expected to play this weekend after missing the last two games. That will provide a big boost for Russell and the Tide's passing attack.
Look for Coleman-Williams to make a big play or two and get into the endzone in his return to the field.
4. Alabama scores a non-offensive touchdown
This one would be a massive boost for Alabama's chances of winning this game. The Crimson Tide has produced five defensive touchdowns this season in eight games, all of which are pick-sixes. Leavitt has thrown eight interceptions this year, so the Tide's defense may have an opportunity to get their hands on the ball.
Alabama may also have a chance to make a play on special teams. That has been a struggle for LSU, which ranks 103rd in special teams SP+ this year. Part of the reason Kentucky was able to take down the Tigers earlier this year was that the Wildcats had a 55 yard punt return for a touchdown in the game.
If Alabama can produce a non-offensive touchdown, the Crimson Tide will be in a strong position to escape Baton Rouge with a mini upset.
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