On Saturday afternoon, the Alabama Crimson Tide are faced with a significant road test in Baton Rouge against LSU.
A team which Alabama has won the last three games against dating back to 2023, this latest showdown against LSU is likely to be their toughest in recent years. The Tigers are considered one of the SEC's top teams at 6-2 (3-2 SEC), and have a roster loaded with talent
led by head coach Lane Kiffin.In addition to that, this latest matchup between the Crimson Tide and Tigers has significant College Football Playoff (CFP) implications. Released this past Tuesday night, Alabama was ranked No. 5 in the first CFP rankings as the top ranked two-loss team, while LSU sat at No. 14.
A challenging matchup, let's make three predictions for the
Crimson Tide during Saturday's massive road game at LSU.
Alabama's offensive line struggles against LSU pass rush
When taking a look back at the Tennessee game, Alabama's offensive line struggled at times in pass protection with a Volunteers defense that led the nation in sacks, and the Tide are likely set to face a similar challenge this Saturday in a LSU unit which ranks No. 2 nationally in the stat. As a result, combined with the tough road atmosphere in Tiger Stadium, I'll predict the Alabama offensive line to struggle at times in pass protection against an elite LSU pass rush, especially if the Crimson Tide are without two starters up front.
Alabama's defense forces multiple turnovers
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt enters Week 10 leading the SEC with eight interceptions thrown this season, and is set to face an Alabama defense that has 12 picks this year which is tied atop the conference. I'll say that Alabama picks off Leavitt at-least once this Saturday afternoon, with the Tide defense also forcing a fumble at some point.
Keelon Russell, Tide passing game has solid showing
While I do predict Alabama's offense to struggle in pass protection at times similar to the Tennessee game, I do not think the passing game will struggle as much as it did in Knoxville where the Tide threw for only 147 yards. Yes, the Tide are facing a LSU defense that ranks No. 3 in the SEC in fewest yards allowed per game, but Alabama might be getting Ryan Coleman-Williams back Saturday, and with an extra week of rest and preparation, I would imagine we see a different performance from Keelon Russell and company.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: 3 predictions for Alabama vs. LSU in massive Week 10 showdown
