Can the Alabama Crimson Tide find itself against the LSU Bengal Tigers?

The Alabama Crimson Tide roster is arguably the most talented roster in college football. If not 'the most talented' Alabama's roster is among the best in only a handful of teams. Given the level of talent, Alabama has the potential to be 2024's best team. So far, the potential has not nearly been realized.

Alabama Football is not the team that raced out to a 28-0 lead over the Georgia Bulldogs. For Alabama, inconsistencies have robbed it of reaching a high-level 60-minute performance in its six wins. There have been more than a few inconsistencies. Ironically, a glaring one is the consistency of Alabama to harm itself with penalties. In road games, the Crimson Tide is tied at No. 117 among FBS teams with a per-game penalty average of 70.7 yards. Even worse, based on just conference games, Alabama is No. 126 in the FBS with 82.8 yards of penalties per game.

Other frequent inconsistencies have also plagued the Crimson Tide. Ineffective run-blocking; pass protection vulnerability against speed rushers; inexplicable passing inaccuracy from Jalen Milroe, and breakdowns in the secondary have been troubling inconsistencies. Due to all these weaknesses, Alabama has had to win six games with a boom-or-bust offense reliant on explosive plays. That is not a recipe for road game success in the SEC.

Alabama will not go into Tiger Stadium and win on its elite program reputation. As it was with Nick Saban, Kalen DeBoer's Alabama usually gets the opponent's best. More of the same might not be enough in Baton Rouge. Are there reasons to expect more from the Alabama Crimson Tide? Yes is the short answer.

Time for Alabama Crimson Tide Development to shine

A team replacing over a third of its roster was always going to have extended growing pains. Especially after a bye week, November is a month to expect two-thirds of a team's development to prosper. Another reason is in Week 11 of the season, no SEC team has as few players 'out' as Alabama. The two out for Alabama, Keon Sabb, and Cole Adams are important contributors, but talented backups can fill the voids.

Also enhancing Alabama's chances on Saturday night is the magnitude of the game. It is the most important game of the season for each team. While that benefits each team, attention to detail during preparation should benefit the better team the most. And Alabama, though maybe not by much, is the more talented team.

My take is, Alabama incurring minimal self-inflicted damage, is a touchdown better than LSU; even in Tiger Stadium.