The LSU Tigers (6-2, 3-1 SEC) are set to face the Alabama Crimson Tide (6-2, 3-2 SEC) this Saturday. Both teams are coming off bye weeks, providing ample preparation time for this pivotal SEC West matchup. LSU’s offense, led by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, has been prolific, averaging 32.8 points per game, ranking 34th nationally. However, the Tigers’ rushing attack has struggled, ranking near the bottom of the SEC in success rate and explosiveness. They will face a lethal Alabama defense that ranks 17th nationally in expected points added (EPA) per rush allowed.
Alabama’s offense, under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, averages 37.6 points per game, placing them 16th nationally. Quarterback Jalen Milroe, a dual-threat, has been effective on the ground, rushing for 483 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. LSU’s defense has shown vulnerability against mobile quarterbacks, as evidenced in their previous game against Texas A&M, where dual-threat QB Marcel Reed ran for three touchdowns. The Tigers will need to maintain disciplined pass rush lanes to contain Milroe’s mobility.