No. 4 LSU is rolling as the SEC’s only unbeaten team in the highly-competitive SEC. That could soon change when the Tigers travel to No. 7 Alabama to take on a perennial conference power in the Crimson Tide. Can the stellar Heisman Trophy favorite Leonard Fournette continue to run roughshod to lead his team to the College Football Playoff? Or will LSU suffer its first setback of the season?
It’s a high-stakes game at Tuscaloosa this Saturday. Check out some more big time matchups in college football in No. 8 Michigan State vs. Nebraska and No. 2 Baylor vs. Kansas State.
[sc:NCAAFArticles ]LSU Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Preview
Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa
When: Saturday, November 7, 9:00 PM ET
Line: LSU Tigers at Alabama Crimson Tide – view all NCAA Football lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the LSU Tigers (8-0, 4-0 SEC)
Despite facing three ranked teams thus far, the LSU Tigers rumbled on as the only unbeaten team in the SEC. Their 48-20 blowout of Western Kentucky on October 24 served as a warm up ahead of their blockbuster matchup against Alabama this coming Saturday.
[sc:NCAA240banner ]Stellar running back and Heisman Trophy contender Leonard Fournette was once again spectacular. He ran for 150 yards and a score on 26 carries to power LSU to the victory. Backup Derrius Guice also had his moments to shine with 48 yards and a touchdown on just three carries.
Even if Fournette somehow gets limited by Alabama’s conference-best rushing defense (78.5 yards per game and four total touchdowns), the Tigers have enough weapons at their disposal. Quarterback Brandon Harris showcased some big play ability against Western Kentucky, passing for286 yards and three touchdowns of 61, 55 and 17 yards.
Wide receivers Travin Dural (132 yards), Malachi Dupre (86 yards) and Tyron Johnson (61 yards) each caught a scoring pass in the blowout of Western Kentucky. Having three different deep threat receivers should help LSU exploit Alabama’s defense, which has allowed 24 pass plays to gain 20-plus yards (10th in the SEC).
LSU also has some key players on the other side of the ball. Defensive lineman Lewis Neal has been a solid pass rusher with a team-high seven sacks this season (third-most in the conference). He should be able to get some timely sacks against an Alabama offensive line which has allowed an average of 1.6 sacks per game.
The total has gone over in all eight of LSU’s games this season.
Betting on the Alabama Crimson Tide (7-1, 4-1 SEC)
Alabama’s chances of making the College Football Playoff already took a dent in a loss to No. 19 Ole Miss in Week 3. They almost took another devastating blow on October 24 in a closely-contested game against the Tennessee Volunteers. But a late 14-yard touchdown run by Heisman Trophy hopeful Derrick Henry handed Alabama a 19-17 win.
Henry has been the lifeblood of the Alabama offense this year, especially with a quarterback in Jake Coker who almost has as many interceptions (seven) as he has touchdown (11). Henry was his usual excellent self, rushing for 143 yards and two scores on 28 carries. A week before, he rumbled for 236 yards and two scores. Henry has a tough nut to crack next though. LSU ranks second in the SEC in rushing defense, allowing just 93.7 yards per game.
Facing LSU gives Coker a chance to shine. The Tigers have allowed the most passing touchdowns in the conference (14) and 222.1 yards passing per game. He’ll have a pair of trusty targets in Calvin Ridley and Richard Mullaney who each have a team-high three receiving scores. ArDarius Steward could also be handy with 331 yards receiving and two scores this season.
On the other side of the ball, Alabama has a pair of players in their secondary that could cause some damage in Eddie Jackson and Minkah Fitzpatrick; each have two pick-sixes this season. But it’s going to be tough picking off LSU quarterback Brandon Harris, who has been efficient with nine touchdowns and no interceptions this season.
Facing a solid Alabama pass rush could have Harris making some costly throws. The Tide have the SEC’s best pass rush with 27 sacks this season. Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen leads the way with a team-high six sacks this year.
The Tide have won four straight games against LSU, but is just 2-1-1 ATS in that win streak.
Writer’s Prediction
LSU plays lights out as they give Alabama its second loss of the season. Create a betting account now and get in on fantastic college football action.
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