Alabama heads to Death Valley on Saturday for a massive SEC matchup against LSU, and the biggest question for the Crimson Tide is whether they can get anything going on the ground.
We’ve talked about this Alabama offense and its inability to run the football. Keelon Russell is spectacular. There’s no doubt about that. He’s individually excellent, and this passing attack continues to be one of the most explosive in college football.
But inevitably, Alabama gets put in third-and-a-zip-code situations, and the offense ends up getting off the field. That’s a major concern heading into this matchup.
On the other side, LSU’s offense has started to heat up under Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr., with quarterback Sam Leavitt and the passing game finding more explosive plays.
Saturday’s game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Can Alabama Run the Football?
The key to this matchup is very similar to what we’ve discussed with Texas. Can Alabama run the football and keep this game from having to be single-handedly won by its first-year starting quarterback?
We’ve seen what Russell can do throwing the football, but Alabama can’t continue to put everything on his shoulders.
The Crimson Tide have struggled to establish the run over their last three games after showing some encouraging signs earlier in the season. During those first five games, the offensive line was moving people and playing physically.
Can they get back to that?
Alabama is coming off a bye week, so we’ll see whether that extra time has helped the rushing attack and allowed Russell to play a little cleaner and more organized.
I also don’t want to hear injuries used as the excuse. Everybody is hurt at this point in the season.
LSU is dealing with significant defensive injuries of its own, and the Tigers have still been extremely difficult to move the football against over the last few weeks.
Sam Leavitt and LSU’s Turnover Concerns
Leavitt has avoided turnovers recently, but after watching the Auburn tape, I’m not convinced he’s avoided turnover-worthy plays.
I thought there were at least three opportunities for Auburn to take the football away, and the Tigers just didn’t capitalize.
A couple were tight-window throws over the middle of the field against zone defenders. Those aren’t necessarily easy interceptions, but if one of those balls gets tipped the wrong way, you’ve got a problem.
There was also a scramble to his right where he appeared not to see the Auburn safety standing in coverage.
Those are mistakes you cannot afford against Alabama.
This Crimson Tide defense has been one of the most opportunistic groups in college football, consistently creating turnovers and turning defensive opportunities into points.
That’s something I’m paying very close attention to in this matchup.
Is LSU Ready for Its Biggest Test?
The other thing worth mentioning is that LSU hasn’t really beaten a good football team yet.
You can make an argument for Clemson or Auburn as its best win. The Tigers also beat Mississippi State without the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback, while their losses came against Ole Miss and Kentucky.
Now they’re facing an Alabama team that presents a different challenge.
I would argue that going on the road and beating Ole Miss is harder than beating Alabama at home, but this is still LSU’s first major test in quite some time.
The Tigers have been finding more success offensively, particularly through the passing game.
Jackson Harris has emerged as another weapon on the outside, giving Leavitt someone who can win one-on-one matchups, make contested catches and create yards after the catch.
You’ve also got Dilin Jones in the backfield and Trey’Dez Green at tight end.
There are plenty of ways for LSU to attack this Alabama defense, but protecting the football is going to be critical.
Alabama vs. LSU Prediction: LSU 30, Alabama 27
It’s a coin-flip football game for me. I’m totally perplexed.
I’ll go with the home team.
LSU 30, Alabama 27.
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