During the agonizing summer months without football, it’s common for fans to count potential wins and losses on the upcoming schedule to pass time. Before the season started, I would think most reasonable Tiger fans would promptly project the Alabama game as a loss. While it’s hard to believe we’re already eight games into the season, the Alabama game is here, and make no mistake about it – this is a winnable game. The main reason this game is viewed differently at this point is the growth of this LSU team. The Tigers have slowly figured out their best personnel combinations at each level of the defense. Jayden Daniels has gone from refusing to make a read on passing plays to being ranked 29th in the country in total offense, which is one spot above Alabama’s Heisman candidate, Bryce Young. Speaking of Alabama, they have not been the juggernaut many expected to see in 2022. The team that some expected to be Nick Saban’s best team ever only managed to defeat Texas by one point, Texas A&M by four points, and lost to Tennessee. This is a talented team, but they do have weaknesses. As usual, I’ll take a closer look at the matchup on both sides of the ball.

LSU Offense vs. Alabama Defense

Some things never change, and the terroristic nature of Alabama’s edge rushers is one of those things. Outside linebacker Will Anderson will likely be a top five pick in the 2023 NFL draft, and he will obviously pose problems. The good news for LSU is their offensive line that was once seen as a liability is now a formidable group. This line has gotten better every week as the two freshman tackles have gotten more comfortable and confident. The best way to neutralize great edge players like Anderson is to run the ball directly at them. Many of Anderson’s best plays result from him running down backs from the backside when the play goes away from him. Hendon Hooker of Tennessee ran the ball well against Alabama, and that bodes well for Jayden Daniels. With the addition of Eli Ricks, this will be the best cornerback tandem LSU has faced to this point, but still vulnerable to big plays. I like the Tigers’ receiving room against anybody. LSU gets the nod.

LSU Defense vs. Alabama Offense

The good news is Alabama does not have the swarm of first round wide receivers that we’re used to seeing in crimson. The bad news is LSU does not have the shutdown cornerbacks we’re used to seeing in purple and gold. This will be a battle of inexperienced receivers with high upside against more seasoned defensive backs without the high end potential of their counterparts. It’s encouraging to hear that Brian Kelly and the defensive staff are now confident in a defensive gameplan that includes Harold Perkins and BJ Ojulari on the field at the same time; these are the most disruptive players on this LSU defense. It’s important to not only pressure Bryce Young, but also get him down. There are countless examples of Young calmly avoiding pressure and finding open receivers. Don’t lose sight of the fact that Young so routinely has to avoid pressure; this offensive line does not meet the Alabama standard. The Tigers have to stop Jahmyr Gibbs and the Alabama running game before they can pressure Young. Gibbs is a slippery, explosive weapon as both a runner and receiver. Matt House has done an excellent job of making adjustments all year. Consequently, LSU has been able to eventually figure out every offense but Tennessee. I actually like how the Tigers matchup from a personnel perspective, but contrary to Mel Kiper’s draft board, Bryce Young is the best quarterback in college football. Alabama has the edge here.

LSU/Bama at its peak is one of the most physical, exciting rivalries in the sport. It usually features an exorbitant amount of talent on the field with heavy SEC West implications. This will be the first time since 2007 that I feel like LSU has a coach that can effectively game plan against a coaching staff as strong as Alabama’s. When Brian Kelly called it a privilege to play in a game like this, he meant it; that’s why he came to LSU. Kelly does not currently have the roster where he wants it, and Alabama has the better team on paper. However, the game has to be played on the field. Regardless of the result, I have no doubt that the LSU program is headed in the right direction. I have Alabama pulling off a close game, 28 – 24. Big plays combined with a well lubricated Tiger Stadium crowd can prove my prediction wrong. Either way, the Tigers’ effort on Saturday will show that this series is a rivalry again. Geaux Tigers!!