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Alabama has a long list of 'must-dos' to beat LSU

Alabama can beat LSU, as long as the Crimson Tide doesn't make it hard on itself
ByRonald Evans
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Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Outside of stalwart Alabama Crimson Tide fans, there are not many 'Bama beats LSU' predictions. The Alabama can't handle Tiger Stadium, and Lane Kiffin bandwagon is near capacity. One example is CBS Sports' expert predictions. Only one, Chris Hummer, picked the Crimson Tide. The other seven picked LSU.

The Bama Hammer predictions will be published Saturday morning. They will be interesting.

Much easier than making score predictions is defining what the Crimson Tide needs to do to produce a win.

What Alabama 'Must -Do' to beat LSU

  • Provide adequate protection for Keelon Russell - Both edge rushers for LSU are dynamic, and the Crimson Tide offensive line has given up too many sacks. It's not on the O-line. Ryan Grubb must give Keelon quick-throw options, and when those are covered, Keelon can't hold the ball too long.
  • Get enough rushing yards to balance offensive production. The number of running plays needed and the yardage gained are question marks.
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  • Defense needs to lower LSU's third-down conversion rate. In SEC games, LSU is at 48.53%. Also, in SEC games, Alabama's defense is at 33.3%. The Tide must be closer to its number on Saturday than LSU is to its number.
  • Kane Wommack's defense needs to neutralize LSU's rushing attack and put more pressure on Sam Leavitt to have an outstanding performance. LSU isn't a great rushing team, but Harlem Berry (only 32 carries) averages 6.31 yards. LSU's lead back, Dilin Jones, averages 4.41 yards.
  • Win a turnover battle by more than one turnover. Alabama is the SEC's third-best team in turnover margin, and LSU is No. 10.
  • Avoid costly penalties. The most frequent problems for the Crimson Tide have been false starts, delay of game, and pass interference penalties. Alabama cannot afford to make many of those costly errors in what should be a close game.
  • Get lucky with no bad officiating calls. No elaboration is necessary.

That's a long list of seven Alabama Crimson Tide 'must-dos'. How many must Alabama win is a guess. At least a majority, for sure. Maybe at least five of the seven. If the Crimson Tide delivers on all seven, the final score will not be close.

Note: Stats provided by cfbstats.com

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