This weekend, the Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers face off in a high-stakes showdown that could decide each team’s College Football Playoff and SEC title hopes. With playoff contention on the line, this is the type of matchup that builds legacies. To claim victory, however, Alabama needs to answer some critical questions. We spoke with LSU expert Tyler Forness, who outlined three key areas Alabama must address to come out on top.
How Can Alabama Win This Game?
Did Texas A&M Reveal a Blueprint for Defending Nussmeier?
While Texas A&M managed to frustrate LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, their approach wasn’t necessarily new. The strategy to contain Nussmeier has always been about collapsing the pocket, preventing him from stepping up, and cutting off his mobility. Nussmeier isn’t a natural playmaker outside the pocket, but he excels at evading pressure within it by sidestepping defenders. Alabama’s defense will need to push in from the edges and up the middle, shrinking his options and forcing him into hurried decisions.
Is There an Answer to LSU’s Run Defense Struggles?
Although LSU has shown decent stats in overall run defense—ranked 45th in success rate and 67th in EPA/play—their real issue has been stopping mobile quarterbacks. Two weeks ago, Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed exposed this gap, rushing for 62 yards and three touchdowns. LSU lacks a consistent internal solution to this problem. Harold Perkins would typically be the defensive player to spy a mobile QB, but LSU doesn’t have anyone on Perkins’ level in this role. Freshman linebacker Whit Weeks may attempt to contain Jalen Milroe, but it’s uncertain if he can adequately minimize the threat.
Can Brian Kelly Outmaneuver Alabama’s Playbook?
The narrative surrounding Brian Kelly remains mixed. He’s guided LSU to some impressive wins, including a 17-point comeback against South Carolina and a victory over Ole Miss. Yet, there’s a sense that something hasn’t fully clicked. After a recent game, Texas A&M’s Mike Elko seemed to throw shade, implying that LSU’s success could be more show than substance under Kelly. Kelly’s recruiting is strong, but his tenure hasn’t yet brought the level of success expected for LSU.
However, Kelly has proven he can be competitive against Alabama, famously winning his first matchup with a daring two-point conversion and nearly winning last year before a late hit took quarterback Jayden Daniels out of the game. This weekend could go any direction, with Kelly’s coaching likely being the deciding factor.
